Share the Comfort

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

In a story titled “Runner struggling with eating disorder felt ‘less alone’ after opening up,” the writer said an advocate for mental health surrounding eating disorders says it’s important to open up and get help if you’re struggling. Grandville native Rachael Steil was a successful high school and college cross-country runner who struggled with an eating disorder. “I had always had some body image issues. Growing up, I think that’s sort of natural — not that you want that to happen,” Stiel told News 8 Monday. She said she started cutting calories when she was a senior in high school and the eating disorder worsened with the big life change of going to college… She eventually told her mother about how she was struggling with food and then posted a blog sharing her experience. “So many other people reached out and I felt so much less alone,” she said. She said athletes are two to three times more likely to struggle with an eating disorder…Steil not only wrote a book chronicling her trial, but is now a coach who speaks about her struggles to others.

And, you know, when it comes to sharing our struggles with others in an attempt to remind them that not only are they not alone in their fight but that there is hope in overcoming their struggle and comfort in the midst of their battle, the Bible tells us that God, who is called “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort… comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” This means one great purpose of God in comforting us is that it enables us to bring that same comfort to others. You see, when believers go through difficulties and trials and are delivered by the hand of God from them, they aren’t to keep it to themselves but are to share how God brought them through it. In doing so, they bring hope to those experiencing the same struggle. 

So, if God has delivered you from affliction, addiction, or adversity today, say so my friend! Don’t keep what the Lord has done to yourself. By sharing what the Lord has done for you, you remind others that they are not alone and that the Father of compassion can do it for them too—which will fill them with the comfort and peace that only the Lord can provide. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the comfort You provide comes not only from the Holy Spirit but also through fellow believers who provide others with hope through their testimonies. Lord, help us to be transparent with our struggles that we might redeem our pain by sharing the way You always turn for good those things the enemy means for evil. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!