The Apostle Paul was one man who displayed the heart of a champion through his life and ministry. And one of the ways this is evident can be seen in the way he understood the ebb and flow of daily life.
Life is like a roller coaster. There are ups and downs all the time, and this is a very natural part of life Paul definitely experienced this ebb and flow of life, and he adjusted his perspective and attitude, as well as his ministry efforts, accordingly. This is very evident in 2 Corinthians 1:4-7:
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
Paul is very clear in this passage that life gives us ups and downs, and when the downs come, God provides a source of comfort as needed. He then adds that because we have experienced God’s comfort, usually coming from other believers, we can be a source of God’s comfort to others when they experience those hard times. Paul understood that life takes swings frequently. And he also understood that he needed to stand strong in those tough times. But he also knew that the only way he could was because of God’s assistance and comfort.
Job said much the same thing in Job 2:10, speaking to his wife. Job has just experienced several devastating events in his life: the loss of his financial stability, his wealth, his children, and even his health. His wife wonders why he doesn’t just give up, and place the blame on God. Here’s his response:
But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
When you have the heart of a champion, you understand that life often throws difficult circumstances your way. And you do you best to shoulder the load, with God’s help, and continue on.
When you are as willing to endure the hard times as you are to celebrate the great times, you display the heart of a champion.
Just rest assured that when those difficult times come, and they will, you will be encouraged, supported, and comforted by God, through other believers. You can get through it, and move on.
That’s the beauty of the church.
Question: Have you ever experienced a difficult time in your life where God used others to comfort and strengthen you like Paul describes in this passage? How did that help you grow? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
So much truth here, Jeff. Those verses from 2 Corinthians have always been some of my favorites. They are an encouraging and comforting reminder that God has purpose in allowing pain and trial. I’ve seen the truth of verse 4 worked out over and over in my life. He has allowed me to go through a trial, and then down the road, I am able to walk with and encourage someone going through a similar trial. When that happens, I have ‘street cred’ with that person because I have already walked the road. No trial is ever wasted in God’s economy. Great post!!
It can be hard sometimes, not understanding the bigger picture when we experience these kinds of things. But you’re right, we can look back at the experience and see growth, and have the opportunity to help others too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!