"He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." 2 Corinthians HCSB
On June 2, 2012, Marissa Ierna was hours away from walking across the stage to receive her high school diploma when she got the news - she had a rare cancerous tumor in her right leg and the chances of survival were only 30%. But for this avid runner who had just completed a half marathon, the worst news the doctors delivered was that, even if she miraculously recovered, she would never run again. By God's grace though, and after 54 grueling weeks of chemotherapy at a local children's hospital, she not only survived cancer but went on to run the 2017 Boston Marathon, graduate from college and begin working with the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation, which helps families with children battling the disease saying, "I always say that cancer was hopefully the worst thing I'll ever go through, but it's also been the best." And no doubt she will be the "best" at her job because she knows what it feels like.
You know, the Bible tells us that "He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction through the comfort we ourselves receive from God." And so Marissa's affliction, as bad as it was, actually prepared her to fulfill God’s plan to help and console others going through the very same thing. You see, God never wastes our pain. He will use every trying experience that you and I go through to bring Him glory and to be a blessing to others. Think about it this way... how much better are we able to console someone else than when we have been through it ourselves?
So if you find yourself experiencing pain or suffering today, whether it be from illness, depression, addiction, disease, or anything else, take heart my friend. Because from the "comfort” you "receive from God" through this, you will be able to show empathy and compassion to others. And if like Marissa said, and it’s the worst thing you and I will ever go through, you can trust that God will use it for the best.
Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you would personally comfort us in our suffering. Help us to remember that none of us were ever promised a life free from pain but that you would always use our trials for the good of those who love You. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l3CEMWCxSk
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