Loss & Grief - SE StudentsSample

Have you ever had a “me too” moment with someone? When there is something in common—a shared experience or interest—it typically brings friendship or encouragement. Grief and loss, while not necessarily things you want to have in common with others, can be a shared experience that bonds you with someone else or allows you an opportunity to give or receive comfort. 

When you are experiencing a loss, hearing from someone who has been in your shoes before is comforting because you know they understand some degree of your pain. When you are on the other side of your pain and meet someone who is hurting, you can offer the same comfort you once received and encourage them when they are hurting. You receive comfort from God and He uses it to allow you opportunities to comfort others. 

Your pain is not useless, and it is not wasted. The experiences you go through—whether positive or negative—are used by God to build your faith. Pure gold has to be refined in a fire to remove the impurities. Similarly, your faith is strengthened, refined, and becomes purer when you have gone through difficult trials. God will work all things for good when you give Him even the most difficult of situations. 

Even though your situation is painful, and there might be something or someone missing from your life, and it feels impossible to get through the day, God will give you the strength and you will make it through. He hurts when you hurt, but He will comfort you and be your source of strength. 

Thanks for completing this reading plan! We pray that this helped you get connected to Jesus. We would love to hear from you on how God used this plan in your life. Keep the conversation going by emailing us at keeptalking@secc.org.