Lesson 33: Trials Allow Us to Comfort Others

“God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others” 2 Corinthians 1:4.

Why does God put His children through such terrible situations? Is there a purpose for our trials?

“Your baby has a hole in his diaphragm and no lungs, so he cannot breathe on his own without machines. Even with advanced medical treatment, he has only a 5% chance of survival.” Those were hard words a family heard when their son was born. Why does God put His children through such terrible situations? Is there a purpose for such trials?

Life does not always turn out the way we expect. Another family tells of a daughter born with a condition that was not one which could sustain life. They knew she would die within the first year of her life. They prayed, but no miracles were given them for their little child, and she died.

God sent His Son to suffer for me. Jesus’ suffering started at His birth when the God who created the universe confined Himself to a human body. “Though He was God… He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being” (Philippians 2:6-7). How strange for Him to have to breathe, to feel hungry and uncomfortable, to depend on less-than-perfect parents to meet His every need. This world was a prison of limitations to His divine qualities. He endured all this, and the pain of the cross, for you and me. “This High Priest (Jesus) of ours understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).


God never promises to take away suffering, but He does promise to always be with us. “Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me” (Psalm 23:4). He uses our sufferings in wonderful ways to encourage others who go through the same things. Both of these families were helped by others who had experienced what they were going through, and both have been given the privilege of helping others now being tested in the same way.

“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus….Who endured the cross because of the joy awaiting him” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Pray for your eyes to stay focused on your hope in Jesus Christ, no matter what the trial.
Additional scriptures to read: 1 Peter 5:10, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:18, James 1:2-4.

Have you suffered trials and hard circumstances in your life? Share them with others, telling how God carried you through these times. When you do this, the Holy Spirit turns your ashes into something beautiful that brings God glory. Are you willing?