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 affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When I was a new believer I never wanted to tell anyone about my problems or share what I was going through. I would always pray and ask God for help but I did not want to ask anyone else to pray for me. When I would think of telling others, these are some of the doubts that would come to mind, “What would people think? What if they did not pray the way I wanted them to? What if they really knew me?” The truth is, it only matters what God thinks, we can’t and shouldn’t try to control every situation.Each one of us has different giftings and it is a good thing for them to pray differently than us, it is okay. So often we want to put on a good front. Even now I catch myself often replying “I am fine.” when someone asks “How are you?”. It is a knee jerk reaction that I have been trying to break. It is okay to be transparent, open, vulnerable and to have a real heart to heart conversation with someone else. God can use these conversations and the things we have been going through for His glory!
When sharing our struggles with another believer we are obeying James 5:13-16, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
When we tell others what is going on in our lives, we are obeying the Lord and opening up an opportunity to experience His miracle working power and blessings. We are also giving others the opportunity to see God work. We are inviting others to step out of their comfort zones to trust God and grow in their faith. We also will be able to comfort those who are going through similar struggles as we testify how God moved in our situation and how He comforted us and brought us through it.
When sharing with a non-believer, we are allowing them to see that despite the trial we have peace that is only possible through Jesus Christ. We are giving them the opportunity to see God at work in our life and how loving and powerful He is. It opens the door to gospel conversations.
We need to quit asking “why me?” and begin asking God for wisdom and discernment in who to share with. I have learned so many things in my times of pain. I have learned to be more compassionate. I have learned I had pride that needed to be removed, I have learned that I really can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13). I have learned that I need God so much. I have learned about the blessing of letting others show love by helping. I have even learned the value of rest and why God tells us to. I have seen that truly all things are possible with God (Matt. 19:26).
I have personally had a horrendous two weeks. I am so grateful that I asked for prayer from my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am sure that without prayer my step dad may have died. I know I felt the comfort and love of God as I healed and God worked out the opening of our new store without me having to do everything like I normally think I need to do. The love of God was shown to a non-believing employee who was injured and could not work and so many more things. I am grateful for all that I have gone through and for all the love that was shown through my church family. I am most grateful for the God of all comfort and healing.
God has a purpose in our pain. Trust Him and share with your church family. Be vulnerable, ask for prayer and let them pour out the love of God in your life. Allow them the opportunity to stand in faith alongside you and experience the blessing of watching God move.
Written by Rebecca Murzin
