Now I’m not trying to make too big a deal out of what Paul lived through. I don’t want to ignore what you’ve gone through in the past. Or lessen what you’re going through right now.
My point is that since Paul went through lots and lots of suffering and pain, he’s the voice of experience. He’s earned the right to speak. He’s deserving of our respect and our listen to him.
So, we need to do what Paul did. We need to compare all our suffering to all that God had done for us. Our first task is to work through who God is and all he’s done for us. For some people, this will be their first journey along the road of searching out who God is. If you need a little bit of help, go to GotQuestions.org and type in “Who is God.” Then enter “Salvation” to get a list of all the things God has done for us in Jesus.
As you look at all God has done for us, be sure to remember that we did nothing to deserve any of it. God didn’t look at us and say, “My my. Just look at those beautiful and friendly people.” Just the opposite. We’re stinky, foul-smelling and acting people in the sight of a holy God.
Then think about all the things that you are suffering through. All the pain. All the disappointments. As you work your way through your life experience, it might be painful to bring up what’s happened in the past and going on right now.
Don’t hurry either one. Both are important. They will take time. It might be helpful to write both lists down. This can help you “walk through the valley of the shadow” of your life. But, on the other hand, don’t obsess to get each and every little thing listed.
When we do the comparison, the flood of God’s goodness will overwhelm us with joy. It won’t even be a contest. It will be like the Little League against Major League Baseball. Peewee football against the NFL. Go-Karts against NASCAR.
But there’s another help to remembering all that God has done for us. It takes our mind off what’s bothering us today. It will move thoughts about our suffering to the side and replace them with beautiful images of who God is. Memories of all that God has done for us. All his blessings. All his kindness. All his mercy. All his grace.
That’s the roadmap to get us off the rough path. Roadmaps help replace our focus beyond only on our suffering and pain with him and him alone. Now that’s the trip of a lifetime. A journey worth taking.
This article on roadmaps for life originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
