by Kimberly Due-Vacco

Created on: August 29, 2009   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

"To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven" so says Ecclesiastes chapter three verse one. As a believer in God, I also believe that statement to be true, but at times it is hard for me to understand that even the trials have a purpose. The sadness that we feel at times seems to overwhelm and leaves us shaken and unsure. Why?! We rail at the powers that be. "What were you thinking, Lord?"

It is in these moments of darkness that remembered scripture creeps into my mind - those words stored in my heart and mind for moments such as this. My mind focuses on Isaiah 55:9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Declares the Lord. Yes, this is another one of those times when I have to remember that I am not in control. As hard as it is for me to comprehend, I still have to keep my faith. Surely a reason will present itself amidst the pain - or maybe in the aftermath, when the pain ebbs a bit.

I also recall in memory 2 Corinthians 3:1-5 which tells me that God will comfort me in my troubles so that I will be able to comfort others when they need it. Living the Christian life is not all about victories. Jesus himself warned us about the trials we would have in this world in John 16:33. If we never had any problems - if our life were only about the happy times, we would not be able to have the compassion we are called to have in our lives.

There is a whole circle of the universe situation that happens here. When my neighbor needs comfort because of a tragedy, I am able to comfort her because I can feel her pain with her. I have been where she is, but I see the light at the end of the tunnel, for I have already come out of the darkness with the help of God. Then, when my neighbor's heart is healed, she is able to help her co-worker who is hurting. As the cycle inevitably continues, I find myself in need of comfort again and my neighbor's co-worker is able to minister to me in a way that heals my soul. It just keeps going in circular fashion like that from person to person. If I had never experienced pain, then I would miss the opportunity to share with and help someone else. That would really be the tragedy, right there.

Trouble will come, but we must press on because renewal is on the way. Just as there is a time for pain, there is also a time for joy. Getting stuck in the pain prevents us from seeing the joy when it surely comes to us

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