I urge you to consider this thought.  When conditions in this world are what I described, the platform is set for people to hear good news and experience good deeds. 

I teach my kids to open doors for others and let them go first. Why? Because it’s the right thing to do and it’s unexpected these days.  As kids, they have a special platform to give glory to God in doing that.  We, as adults, can do good and give in a time when people are expecting to be ignored and take. Advantage of.  It opens a door to speak of God’s glory.  

A few years ago, I came across a car parked on the side of the highway in -20 degree weather.  I happen to notice a young woman in the front seat.   I circled back and asked if there was something I could help with.  At that time I also noticed a beautiful toddler in the back seat beaming with energy.  Her tire was flat and she had no idea how to change and was worried about being late to daycare and work.  After more conversation, I found out she was a single mom.  

I wrapped up the tire change and she asked me what she owed me.  The stage was set I could have gotten a little extra to put in my pocket after all it was -20 out there and who couldn’t use a little extra?  Instead I asked her if she believed in God. She said, “Not really, He’s never shown up to help me”.  I said, “He did today.   He is the reason I’m still alive and the reason I stopped.  The only thing I ask is that you thank Him and give Him another chance”.  I could tell the words pierced her heart.  I gave a quick high five to the cutie in the back seat and they were gone.  It was a 15 minute window of sacrifice.  

Reflection

I don’t tell this story to highlight me.   I tell it because you will have opportunities today to bless others.  Be watching for them.  Seize them, and glorify God with them.  He has given you a platform to serve and speak from.  Do good and share.  For He is pleased with those sacrifices!

Prayer

Father, open our eyes to see these opportunities to do good and to share.  It is cheerful medicine for our hearts when we bring You honor and praise.  Conquer any fear that keeps us from reaching out.  You have made us world changers. Help us to walk in that truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

I decided to expand this thought a little further and asked myself the question, “How does praising God in the midst of the trial I am currently in, reach more for the sake of the Gospel?”

We have a unique platform when we are in the middle of suffering, especially suffering for the name of Christ. All suffering, however; connects us with others and opens the door to the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

Don’t waste that platform!

Reflection

I believe one of the greatest ways of making sure sufferings aren’t wasted is to journal.  Emotions have a way of clouding things that later become clear as we go back and read objectively. It’s also a great way to see how the hand of God has moved.  

Find a notebook or buy a journal and start keeping track of the challenges you face and how God is furthering the gospel through them.  Then share those stories with others. 

Prayer

Father teach us to watch for Your mighty hand at work especially through our sufferings.  We pray that no experience would be wasted, but instead all would be used for Your glory and furthering the gospel.  In Jesus’ name, Amen!

God is our Comforter and when we are comforted by Him, His intention is that the comfort would spill over to others around us as well. Brokenness is not only the reason for our mission but also the platform.  

Few things in this life connect people more closely than suffering.   People come out of the woodwork to help those who have been through a tradgedy. Look at Hurricane Katrina or the Trade Center afte 9/11.   When we endure such great trials, we receive with it a platform to comfort others because we have walked in the shoes of those suffering that same affliction.  

Personal Reflection

Don’t let any suffering go to waste. Make a list of each trial you have been brought through. Sometimes it’s tempting to thank God and then tuck these memories away so we don’t have to remember the pain.   Seek out and find someone who is struggling with something God has brought you through.  Invest in their life and in prayer with/for them.  You will be amazed at the healing God can provide as you walk with others comforting them with the comfort you received from Our Father in heaven. 

Prayer Focus

Gracious God, we pray that you would show us those in need of comfort from the things you have comforted us in. Give us the words to say from your Word that will bring peace to weary souls.  We pray that in all this you would be gloried; in the powerful name of Jesus, Amen!