“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

There’s nothing better than sitting in the shade of a big oak tree, looking up as dappled sunshine dances in the leaves. As a “crunchy” mom, I’m an advocate for “green time over screen time” — which means getting my boys outside as much as possible to explore together this big, beautiful world that God has given us.

My kids love to collect acorns. I marvel at how inside every acorn is the seed of an oak, one of the mightiest trees, ready to come forth.

However, the acorn first needs to break down, fall apart, crumble — die to itself so that the first weak, green sprout has space to emerge. Otherwise, this tender sprout will remain trapped inside the hard shell and never see the light.

God asks us to die to ourselves (Matthew 10:39; Romans 6:6) and often allows us to go through struggles so that we can grow closer to Him. About 10 years ago, I went through the worst bout of anxiety I have ever experienced. I let it take control of my life. And while I was going through that, I couldn’t see any reason God would allow me to walk through such a trial.

Fast-forward 10 years, and my son has just come out of a long period of anxiety that so closely aligned with my own, right down to the need for assurance at 3 a.m.

My son’s middle name is Oaks. Saying his name reminds me of that acorn. It reminds me of the time I went through all that anxiety and fear, the darkest period of my life, when I was falling apart and couldn’t see why any of this was happening.

Really, God was preparing me to burst forth like an oak tree — equipped with knowledge and experience to be able to help my child who also struggles with fear and anxiety. God has granted me an opportunity to share empathy and understanding.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Maybe you don’t struggle with anxiety but with loneliness or grief from losing a loved one. Maybe you’re exhausted by motherhood or you’re struggling with your faith. Maybe you feel like your life isn’t going how you thought it would.

Whatever it is, I want to encourage you that time and time again, I have seen God use my hurts and challenges to grow me so I can be a comfort to someone else. Friend, God is shaping you and growing you; this isn’t for nothing. You are not alone.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings You’ve given me. According to Your perfect will and timing, please grant me grace to overcome the hardship I’m facing now. Give me the peace to know that You are in control. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV).

How can you bless someone who is walking through a hardship today that may be similar to something you have experienced?

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