Through our suffering, we can be a comfort to others
“…who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 2 Corinthains 1:4-6
From the desk of Melissa Reinert
On Monday, we went kayaking as a team-building exercise. It was a lot of fun. This marked my third time partaking in this activity and this time around, I found another lesson wrapped in the experience. We had a young intern who is helping with the sports program join us. Wonderful young man. This was his first time kayaking. He was very nervous about potentially getting stuck on rocks while floating along the Little Miami River. I explained it would be alright if he did, as those kinds of hiccups often happen in life, as well, but we push through and get through them.
Within 30 mins of our adventure, sure enough, the young man’s kayak flowed onto some rocks, and he was stuck. With a little panic in his voice, he called out. I was right behind him. He sat still, not knowing what to do next.
I knew just what to do as I was once in the same position the last time I kayaked
“You’re OK,” I replied. “Take your oar and push down into the rock and sand and give yourself a push.”
He followed my advice and in a moment was back flowing along on the calm current.
I was so excited that I could help him. I could relate to his situation and his fear because not that long ago, I found myself in the same situation. I had feared getting stuck on the rocks and sure enough I did. But with a quick prayer and a few digs into the rocks and pushes, I was well on my way. If not for that incident, I wouldn’t have known how to help my young friend.
This reminded me that sometimes we go through things in our lives, we get stuck, we ride along choppy waters, we suffer. It’s for a reason. In our suffering we are always comforted by the Lord, if we seek Him and in turn, we can comfort our friends in their time of suffering.