Our hard trials are not just for us. Think of Paul. One trial was a thorn in the flesh. The way the Lord answered his plea to remove the thorn, still impacts us today. Where would we be without knowing that His grace is sufficient? 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Paul’s prison epistles are full of instruction and encouragement. 2 Corinthians 1:4 was written from his revelational insight. It was given to him for us. It says, “Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

What a marvelous gift. Our trials are never in vain, because the Lord redeems it all. What He calls us to go through, He enables us through the encouragement of His word and from others.

The trials that we go through, equip us with an empathy not gained any other way. As the Lord revealed Himself to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, so He will reveal Himself in ways we have never known Him before. Trials give us a message.