I read recently, “the courage it takes to share your story might be the very thing
someone else needs to open their heart to hope.” By reflecting on our life, we may find ways to
inspire others and give them hope by sharing a personal experience. None of us are an island
unto ourselves and community is a mainstay for each of us. Am grateful I have friends that are
widows who have shared their experience and wisdom to help me on this very different
journey of grief. We are not meant to go through anything totally alone.
St. Paul in writing this in 2 Corinthians, praises God for providing comfort and then
shares moments when he felt desperate and depressed, v8-11. His point is that our own
sufferings enable us to identify with those who suffer and enable them to identify with us. Then
they will sense the reality of the comfort we have received from God and find their own
comfort. The principle is important. Ministry requires vulnerability. Our human frailties, which
make us susceptible to suffering, at the same time enable us to display God’s comforting love.
Only when we show our weaknesses can we also reveal the strength of our Lord.
Interestingly, we do not usually care to show our weaknesses and a dear friend often
reminds me that I am human! In the Bible Reader’s Companion, discussing verses 8-11, “It’s
only human when attacked to defend by pointing to our strengths. Instead, Paul freely shares
his weaknesses! It is amazing to see the apostle speak of being under pressure ’beyond our
ability to endure.’ Paul knows he must rely on God to cause a change of heart.” As caretakers,
we have a model and wonderful comfort for us in these verses. St. Paul thanks God for His
special goodness during recent trials. His suffering has had two wholly good side-effects – the
experience of God’s comfort in it all and a new ability to help and comfort those in similar
circumstances.
When our discouragement and despair seek to envelope us, remember the words of
these restorative verses from the Prophet Jeremiah, written during a time of exile and hardship
for the Israelites. Jeremiah 31:3, “With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept My mercy
toward you.” Jeremiah 30:17, “For I will restore your health; I will heal your injuries – oracle of
the Lord.” Jeremiah 31:13, “Then young women shall make merry and dance, young men and
old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will show them compassion and have them
rejoice after their sorrows.” Jeremiah 31:17, “There is hope for your future–oracle of the Lord-
Your children shall return to their own territory.”
Our faithful Lord asks us to trust one moment at a time. Do you believe, God does not
disappoint?