When we are in the middle of struggles in life, it is hard to see any purpose in it. From my own experience a few years ago, when I felt trapped in a very traumatic situation with no evident end in sight, it all felt pointless. Day after day, as the trauma continued, it was hard to see God’s purpose in it all. Yet so many times he gave me glimpses of His presence to encourage me; he gave me faith-filled friends who prayed and journeyed with me. It was very humbling.
In reading 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 I gained some new insight into this experience. Paul wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” In this verse I see that the very experience of trauma gives us new insight to help others.
Because of what I went through, I gained new understanding of those who are going through similar situations. I have been able to offer advice to others because I know what helped me get through those difficult years. I could offer comfort because I knew first-hand how God comforted me. When asked, “How do you know?” I could respond, “Because I’ve been through it myself.” The very fact I could sit with them as a survivor of trauma spoke of God’s faithfulness.
140 Character Christian 
Chris, thank you for sharing this blessed testament. When my wife and I provided home care for my mother, we helped her to heal and recover from the trauma of her broken hip. At the time, God was sharing His comfort and encouragement. Both patient and caregivers needed this.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I have found the same thing—experiencing God’s comfort encouragement in the midst of caring for others. It is such a blessing.
Great insight. We don’t always know God’s purposes at the time of tribulations, but we can know that this is one true answer: “so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
May God give us the insight and strength to share our experience with God’s faithfulness through trauma. May we bring comfort to others. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.