In The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren points out one of the ironies of our spiritual life. The experiences that we find most embarrassing to discuss or share with others easily become our greatest strengths in ministry to others.
St. Paul, in sharing his trials and tribulations, is not walking around the center of the city waving a "Look at me" sign. His intention is far from that. Rather he wishes others who might be enduring similar problems or fates to see how gracious and good God can be to those who put their trust in him.
When my nephew died of stomach cancer at the age of five, all of us were crushed. My sister and brother-in-law were, as you can imagine, could easily have fallen to the ground, seeking pity, seeking help. Rather, as I remember well, they gave great comfort to both my parents and my brother-in-laws parents as well. For both sets of grandparents Bill was their first grandson.
Of course both Gee and Bill were truly human with their moments when they needed to be alone. Yet their courage and strength in the days and years following young Bill's death supported so many others. As the years passed following "little Bill's" death, it was a joy to be my sister's brother. How strongly they reached out to students and parents who were in pain and need. Twin boys and a girl eventually were born and they brought many classmates into my sister's home. It was amazing to watch how the concerns of those children became my sister's concerns.
Others in daily experience might be overwhemed by financial troubles, challenges in raising teen-aged children, dealing with health issues especially of parents and even personal problems. Each of us, no doubt, may have graces we can bring to them simply by sharing some of the mountains that we have climbed ... again, not to boast but to suggest how God gives graces to those who truly trust in his goodness.
