Sifted Through The Father’s Hands

by Leslie Bennett

During tough times in the South, there is nothing better than some good ole comfort food: mac and cheese, fried potatoes, pinto beans, cornbread, and of course, God’s Word.

After frying up a big pan of potatoes this week and enjoying a good Southern meal, I spent some time in 2 Corinthians chapter 1. This particular section is titled “Comfort in Suffering.” Paul is speaking to the Church of Corinth. He begins by offering grace and peace from God the Father.

“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” (3-4).

I have always believed that God allows us to experience, sometimes even suffer, things so that we may be able to help others who are facing the same or similar circumstances.

God doesn’t always cause things to happen to us, but He does allow things to touch our lives for a purpose. Anything that happens to His children is first sifted through His hands.

How can we empathize with someone who is suffering if we have never experienced what they are feeling?

How can we gain the trust and confidence of another human if we are not able to prove that we have been in their shoes, walked the same road, felt their pain?

It is important that we are transparent with others. Just because we know Christ as our Savior does not mean we are exempt from suffering. Our lives aren’t always a bed of roses. We do face tribulation. Those who do not know Jesus need to see that Christians are not perfect. We fail. We make mistakes. We sin. The difference is this: we serve a perfect Savior. He loves us unconditionally. He forgives. He picks us up, dusts us off, and sets us on the right path. God not only forgives us, but He also comforts us in our suffering so that we may comfort others who are suffering. Those people are all around us. If we are sensitive to the needs of others, we will recognize them, reach out to them, and share our stories.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

Receive comfort. God knows.

About The Author Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.

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