Do you ever wonder why you go through trials and tribulations before? I've heard people say before that you go through stuff so that you can help others that go through the same thing. Of course, my first thought is, why does anyone have to go through anything? Then I am reminded of scripture that says:
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
I went scrapbooking last weekend with a group of girl friends. Some I have known forever and others are more on the acquaintance level. As we were scrapping and chatting, I shared with them what we feel God has called us to do and the impacts it was making on our lives and future. I had forgotten that one of my friends had gone through a similar situation a few years ago. Her husband, who was an engineer at a stable job, decided 4 years ago that God was calling him to start his own photography business. He left his job with no savings and started his business.
She was sharing how crazy things were and how they were able to survive. They both run businesses out of their home. She said month by month God kept providing enough to pay the bills and feed the family. She learned how to feed her family of 5 on $100/week! She said here it is 4 years later and they are still making it. They were able to keep their daughters in private school and everything. She shared that it was tough on their marriage to go through such hard times, but God used it to bring out issues that were buried far beneath the surface.
I am thankful that she shared her trials with me and that God can use those to remind me to pray both for our situation and for others. I believe that this friend will be a great help and a good resource for me over the next few years. So while God uses these trials to produce endurance, a side benefit is that you can help someone else too!
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