What Are Life’s True Certainties? (Part 2)

Monday, we started looking at some important certainties that we need to think about in the face of the current economic uncertainties being faced around the world. With people losing jobs, and churches struggling to help them, we saw Monday that we can be certain that life is troubled, we are not alone, and that we can have resources beyond ourselves. Let’s add to those certainties today with a couple more.

MY PAIN CAN GROW MY FAITH
We dread pain, largely because we see it as so negative. The fact, however, is that our seasons of struggle can provide opportunity for us to grow in ways that times of ease could never produce.

James wrote:

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (James 1:2-4)

This part of what Paul had in mind when he wrote, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom.8:28). If you know Christ, you can be assured that you serve the God who doesn’t waste anything—including the pain of job loss.

MY PAIN CAN HELP OTHERS
Not only can my struggles help me to grow, they could also provide an opportunity to help others. My experience can give me the background to help other people when the pain of job loss visits them. To that end, Paul told Corinth:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 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. (2 Cor.1:3-4)

I am never as well equipped to help hurting people as when I myself have experienced pain and loss. And I can take God’s encouragement and share it with them. We’ll pick up here on Friday.