“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
I have read in one of my devotionals, “When you don’t feel like praying, ‘pray’!” I asked myself – Is it the same with encouraging others even when you yourself are in need of encouragement?
Recently, I started to exchange messages with one of our new Christian brethren. She shared the struggles their family is presently facing, since the couple lost their job. The husband has already recovered from sickness, but still needs daily care.
At first, I found it difficult to respond to her messages because I myself was overwhelmed with my own problems. It may not be the same as their situation, but I feel even worse.
I praise God for His wisdom and guidance. He reminded me to understand our brethren’s feelings. I too have my own struggles and need someone to talk to. Oftentimes, I do not necessarily expect anyone to help solve my problem. I just need to express my feelings of depression and have someone pray for me; for someone to remind me that there is Somebody up there whom I could directly address all my troubles to; someone who could remind me that sometimes I may feel abandoned, but there is Somebody who will never leave me nor forsake me.
There have been times that as I am encouraging a discouraged brethren, I didn’t notice that I too was sharing my own troubles. We then end up requesting to pray for one another and agreeing that we can always trust the Lord in everything. He will answer us in His perfect time and if He does not, He has an important reason behind it.
