2 Corinthians 1:4 
There is no contradiction of any proportion that we can possibly face that has what it takes to exasperate us or distance us from God. Our consciousness of his inseparable nearness immediately reinforces us and we extend the same support and comfort to others that we received in our difficult times, and together we snuggle up in the comfort of the Father’s intimate embrace! (Mirror Bible, edited)

Are you testifying?

Have you ever wondered why you go through the things that you go through? If so, here is the answer. As a Christian, please keep in mind, your life is not your own. Everything you experience is to give you the opportunity to share what happened, as well as what God did for you. It may have been something good; you should testify.

Psalm 34:1-3 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. (KJV)

It may have been something that you had no control over; you should testify.

John 9:3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but it was so that the works of God might be displayed and illustrated in him. (AMP)

It may have been a hard trial that you thought was more than you could bear; you should testify.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others. And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it. (NET Bible)

Whatever category your situation falls in, it’s called your testimony. You use your testimony to encourage other believers.

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. (KJV)

It’s one thing to sympathize. Some people are grateful for your sympathy and some feel looked down upon. Another truly powerful emotion is the ability to empathize. Empathy is often stronger than sympathy. When you empathize, you show you understand what another person is feeling without them having to tell you. You can say, “I know what you’re going through; I have been there, and this is what God did for me”. Now there is a light at the end of that person’s dark tunnel. They receive hope. A substantial part of your responsibility as a Christian is to lift Christ. What better way than showing His power, His love, His concern, and His ability to deliver.

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, I thank You for using my life to bless someone else. I thank You for every blessing, every trial of my making and those I had no control over and every struggle You have brought me through. I thank You for giving me the strength to stand and give a testimony to the victories You have won in my life. I know I should take every opportunity You give me to share each victory with others. I give You glory because I can look back over my life and count Your blessings. Though I would never stop counting, I can talk about it. When I stumble; You pick me up and I can talk about it. When temptation comes, You give me a way out and I can talk about it. When the enemy comes in, I lift You up as a standard and I can talk about it. I just bless Your Name for everything You do in my life. I thank You for every opportunity You give me to be a blessing to others…