2 Corinthians 1:7
Our hope for you is firm, for we know that as you share in the sufferings, you also share in the encouragement.
I know I have shared about the grace of being vulnerable before but some things are worth saying again. This week marks the 6th anniversary of the double lung transplant that was supposed to give my daughter a second chance at life. It did give us four extra years together but that was not nearly enough. As I was struggling a bit with my grief this week I shared on the radio not only the loss I was feeling but the hope that I have thanks to the grace of Christ and the promise of eternal life. After sharing I received two messages from listeners who were also struggling with the grief of losing loved ones and they said that my message gave them encouragement.
This is exactly what Paul is talking about to the church at Corinth. Going even deeper Paul is talking about our shared journey of suffering with Christ. Thanks to His suffering on the cross we have eternal life! Sharing our suffering brings others encouragement. This week I encourage you to be vulnerable. You never know who your story will encourage. You never know who's story you will be encouraged by.
