The word “testimony” recently grabbed my attention. Seriously, look at the word… TESTimony. Notice the word in the beginning: test? You cannot expect to have a testimony without a test. Can you imagine the world without Christians and their testimonies? That would be a very bleak thing to imagine. Picture all the Bible stories without the miracles… that would not be inspiring at all.
For some reason, sometimes we survey other people at a distance. We see their miracle stories and don’t consider that happening to us. And yet at our lowest point, what if we saw that maybe this is all for a reason? What if we can help others at their lowest point? I know it sounds crazy, but we can actually hit rock bottom and lead others to the Rock (Jesus) who can give people hope again. And somehow, we get to experience part of that blessing. It’s twofold!
So whatever your struggle is, find others struggling with the same thing. This is your ministry!! Have you ever thought that God let you go through this to help someone else?
For me and struggling with OCD, I see people who have this so bad that they have suicidal thoughts. While sometimes I feel like I’m drowning myself too much to help someone else, I find that often when I help others, I myself am encouraged. It is as if my own fears are thwarted. And yet, can’t you picture God doing this in His awesome mercy?
Point others to God’s Word because somehow in our frustrations, we seem to neglect God’s Word. And yet, I’ve found that in trying to find a verse for someone else, I am encouraged reading them.
So, if you are like me and you find yourself at the end of your rope or so it seems, try being a blessing to someone else who is in the same boat as you. We may not be able to win the whole world for Christ, but we can begin with the people in our own boats who need our help. God can shine through us in ways that other people might not be able to do.
“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 Corinthians 1:3-4
It allows us to take a step back and see another person how God sees us. I can’t help but feel compassion for someone when I see them going through the same struggles I am going through. Ironically, what I’ve beaten myself over for, I suddenly see forgiveness. When I look at myself from my perspective, I see a terrible person, but when I see someone else going through the same thing I’m going through, I feel compassion towards that person and even myself! I suddenly get to see from God’s perspective, and I myself am comforted. Isn’t this peculiar? And yet, how amazing is God!
I hope this post has encouraged you on your walk with God. Go, and walk into your ministry…
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19