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You gain through your pain
'...Naomi was left without her two sons and her husband.' Ruth 1:5
When hers sons died, Naomi experienced a unique bonding process with her daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah, who (obviously) had lost their husbands. Unless you've been through something like it, it's hard to understand that kind of bond.
Tragedy can bring together the oddest people. When you're hurting, don't look for support from people based on what they look like or where they live.
All you want is someone who's been there themselves, someone who really knows what you're going through. People can't give you what they don't have.
The old preacher Charles Spurgeon gets at this issue using the image of soldiers returning from battle, 'Just as old soldiers compare stories and scars, when we arrive at our heavenly home we'll tell of the faithfulness of God Who brought us through. I wouldn't like to be pointed out as the only one who never experienced sorrow, or feel like a stranger in the midst of that sacred fellowship.
Therefore be content to share in the battle, for soon we will wear the crown.' So if you're fighting just to get through another day, remind yourself that you aren't the first and you won't be the last to do so. Like Naomi, God sees what you're going through and has plans for your life yet to be revealed. Be encouraged. You will gain through your pain. Hold on to His hand; He'll bring you through this!
written by Bob Gass
