8 Principles For Embracing Trials-Part 8 Ministering To Others through Understanding & Compassion

The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. Psalms 145:8 (NKJV)

We're looking at a devotional series titled, "8-Principles for embracing trials," and it is based off the Scripture in James 1:2 where we are commanded to, "Count it all joy when you face various trials."  For one to be able to "Count it all joy," he or she must first realize, God is allowing these trials as part of His way of shaping and transforming them to be like Christ, and to be properly prepared for Christian ministry.  

In Part 7, we looked our seventh principle for embracing trials, which is, "Trials build both strength and endurance in the believer."  So let's take a look at our eighth and last principle for our embracing the trials.

8.    Trials enable us to minister to others in their time of need.
There is no one better equipped to minister to those in the midst of trials than a believer who has the compassion to help because he or she has gone through similar trials themselves.  This is because when a believer has undergone tough trials, it is God who has brought them comfort and mercy.  God does this to teach us the fundamental principle of comforting others when they go through their tough times. 

We are taught this truth in 2 Cor. 1:3-5.

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. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 2Corinthians 1:3-5 (NKJV)

We see Jesus teaching us this very principle when he told Simon Peter this

And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." Luke 22:31-32 (NKJV)

In Psalm 145:8, we are told the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.  We can see in Luke 19:41 an example of His compassion - as He drew near to the city of Jerusalem and looked upon it; He wept over it.  He knew this great city, whose very name means peace, would suffer much in the way of trials and tribulation.  We too, should have this type of compassion for those who are going through trials.  

We can have a greater compassion for others when we have faced our own trials and have suffered.  This is especially true for the unsaved who are experiencing various trials without a Savior.  And for those who are saved, our compassion comes from the fact they are a part of our very body.   This is because we, as many different believers, make up one body of Christ.  And when one suffers, we should all feel that suffering.

And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1Corinthians 12:26-27 (NKJV)

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you, don't fear trials - embrace them.  Be confident in this fact; God has a plan for every aspect of your life; God allows every trial we will face and He is right there with us.  And in His compassion He will do what is best for us.  

We must always remember, God wants to use each of us in a unique way, and nothing will be wasted.  God has purposed to use everything we go through for good (Rom. 8:28).  And a big part of that purpose is to help others in need.  God won't force us to help others, but He will give us an opportunity to be used in ministry - it is His desire.  

Q:    Is it your desire to be used by God?

STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about God's will for our going through trials from the Scriptures contained within this devotional?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to be used in the lives of other people - both believers and the unsaved?  Are you willing to share those things you've experienced or endured to help others who may be going through the same thing?

APPLICATION: Seek the Lord daily and ask for the opportunity to be used in the lives of others - don't strive in this - just let God bring them to you.  Be willing to share the hurts you have encountered and the healing God has brought to those who are in the midst of their trials.