How many times have we said that? How many times have we wanted to spare our children or our siblings from pain? Whether it be our daughter running off with that guy or our younger sibling being abused without us knowing, we want to protect…we should’ve protected them.
Paul says to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians, chapter 2 verses 5 and 6 (emphasis mine) “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort”. We are sharing in the sufferings of Christ, so we can receive comfort through Christ. This passage tells me 3 things:
1. Not only is the Lord allowing us to suffer, He is in it with us!!
2. We physically have to walk through Christ in order to be comforted. (I picture a huge waterfall we jump in the middle of and just get drenched!)
3. Lastly, all of our suffering and comforting is to walk with others who have suffered and need the same comfort we received!
All of this may not be all that comforting if you are in the midst of your loved one’s suffering and all you want to do is pick them up and run, but know the Lord has a bigger plan! And your job may not be to protect or to save them from the suffering, but leading them or encouraging them to go the Father…even if it’s taking your little sister to church with you!
ALL GLORY TO HIM who works everything out SO Perfectly!!