2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Picture from SoupArt

I've heard these verses in the past but this year I'm truly finding out what they really mean. My husband has struggled with depression and anxiety. Last year, 2012, things got so bad that he hardly left our bed room. He didn't join us for meals, spend time with the kids unless they came to the bedroom, go to church or anywhere else. I'd like to say I was a supportive, understanding wife who stood firmly by him without a complaint but that would be a major lie. 

I greatly struggled watching my husband go through months of not interacting with anyone and sleeping the days away in our room despite my best efforts at getting him out of the house. There were many days I wanted to give up and run away and I almost did a few times. 

When we went on our vacation with his family last August he was forced out of the house, awake most of the day and out enjoying North Carolina. That broke the ice for him and he started the upward climb from his depression. 

Going through all of that with him made me rely greatly on God to get through my days. I see now that's one thing He was trying to teach me as I went through those difficult months. 

The other lesson relates to 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. "so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God"

This year my best friend had her world turned upside down and now she's struggling with depression. 

I now see that God led me through last year with my husband so that I can now encourage her and be more understanding of where she's at. 

Had I known last year that God would use me in this way just the following year I don't know that it would have made last year easier. Seeing it now though it reminds me that God makes all things work together for our good and His glory.

I want to encourage you, whatever trials you are going through, God has a plan. He will see you through if you rely on Him for your strength to make it through each day no matter how hard it may seem. One day He may use that struggle you've been through to help someone in a similar situation so that you may be a light in their time of darkness.