Misery enjoys company
When we go through tough times, there’s something comforting about knowing that another person is also going through similar stuff. This can be healthy in that it reminds us we’re not alone. And if a person has gotten through similar difficulties and uses their experience to encourage and provide wisdom, this can be helpful.
However, while finding solace in another person’s pain may feel good, it can be a subtle form of vengeance. And more importantly, it brings no solution to what we are facing.
The “fellow-strugglers” myth
It feels awesome to have some one come to us when we are struggling, hurting, under attack, etc. and say, “You poor thing, bless your heart. I know exactly what you’re going through, I’m facing the same thing.” But that solves nothing.
Many sectors of the Church have been infected with a view that problems and difficulties are things that God allows in our lives to teach us, or make us more holy. God is viewed as distant and mysterious. When it comes down to individual, specific circumstances, very religious sounding deceptive language is used.
“God is sovereign. His ways are higher than our ways and his thoughts are different than our thoughts, therefore you can’t be entirely sure what He’s going to do.”
God’s not a liar, is He?
If God has said in His word that He would heal us (Ps. 103:3; 1 Pet. 2:24); or that He would deliver us from the Enemy (Col. 1:13); or that He would give us whatever we ask (Mk. 11:24), but then doesn’t do what He said, that makes Him a liar. However the Bible tells us that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2). In fact the Bible tells us it is actually impossible for God to lie (Heb. 6:18).
This is part of understanding the absolute nature of God’s character. But many people don’t want to reconcile these things.
Listen to Joshua and Caleb
The best kind of comfort in difficult times comes from people who know how to stand of God’s promises. People like Joshua and Caleb who have faith in God, and know that nothing is impossible for Him.
Get around people who know that God is ready to perform His word (Jer. 1:12); and that His word is unchangeable and settled forever (Ps. 119:89); and that every promise God has ever made is YES and AMEN in Christ! (2 Cor. 1:20)
This may not feel as good as commiserating with a fellow-struggler, but it will bring about a breakthrough that’s guaranteed by God.
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