"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." 2 Corinthians 1:4 NLT
When Josh LaJauine, 39, appeared on the December 2016 cover of Runner's World and revealed that he had lost 230 lbs through running and a plant-based diet, he could never have imagined how his life would touch so many others struggling with the same issues he faced. So in an effort to help them, Josh set up a private Facebook group called the "Missing Chins Run Club" where everyone could safely share their stories and struggles and motivate one another to get active and lose weight. The group now has 52 members and have dropped, in total, more than 4,000 lbs. Of the page, John said, “It’s a beautiful thing to be able to give these men an avenue to health and happiness. They’re all my brothers in this thing. Let’s hone it, let’s refine it, let’s be contagious with it and let’s help others overcome this thing that we fought with all of our life."
You know, when it comes to comforting and helping others through their struggles, it's much easier when we have gone through the same struggles ourselves, don't you agree? Paul certainly did when he wrote, "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." You see every battle that we endure and overcome gives us the wisdom and compassion we need to understand what others are going through. And it's through the support, reassurance and comfort that we, ourselves, received during our time of trouble that makes us able to offer that same support to others in their time of trouble.
So, in the words of LaJuine, "Let's hone it, let's refine it, let's be contagious with it and let's help others overcome.." Let's look for ways to use what we have learned through our trials and difficulties to spur others on to prevail and overcome too.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that tells us that all things are possible with You. Help us to look for ways to use our experiences to help others overcome difficulties and troubles in their lives. May we be the "comfort" that so many people in this world need and, by our actions, lead them to You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Lean on me - D.C. Talk
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