Turning Adversity into Advantage: Compassionate Ministries

By Wally Stephenson

God has equipped us to be humble helpers of hurting people.

Shortly after midnight on Saturday, May 22, 1993, while on furlough ministry 1200 miles from home, I received a telephone call. My friend said, "Wally, sit down. I have terrible news. Louise and Ruth [my wife and daughter] were killed in an auto accident." The words struck like bullets from an assault rifle.

At that point I had been a pastor for 29 years, and a missionary pastor for two years. I helped many people in their grief. Now I was to learn new lessons, including seeing the opportunities God gives us through adversity. I hadn't realized that grief and loss could produce spiritual growth in me unsurpassed in normal life, and could give a new dimension of ministry.

Grief may be defined as intense emotional pain and suffering caused by a significant loss. Types of losses include the following:

• death
• separation and divorce
• rejection and damaged reputation
• loss of job or business
• financial reverses and bankruptcy
• disfigurement or disability/handicap

While speaking on this subject I often ask, "How many have had troubles, trials, afflictions, losses and grief?" Every hand goes up. Then I read 2 Corinthians 1:3,4, "Blessed be God ... the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation..."

The primary method God uses to heal the broken-hearted is His Word. I have been stabilized, encouraged and consoled through such verses as:

• "My grace is sufficient for thee" (2 Corinthians 12:9).
• "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46: 1).
• "Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:14).

God promises comfort and triumph, but the 2 Corinthians 1:4 verse continues, "...that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." The proper response to loss and grief is reaching out to others.

God does not comfort us to make us comfortable, but so that we might comfort others. God wants us to use our adversities to help, and share Christ with others. Who better to talk with a woman about to have a mastectomy than a woman who has already gone through the procedure? Who better to bridge a relationship with a person who has suffered financial reverses or a family who has lost a child, than a Christian who has experienced a similar loss? Every Christian should see trials and troubles as opportunities to grow spiritually himself, and to share the love of Christ with those going through adversities.

Since the accident I have had the privilege of helping hundreds of people who suffered adversity: seminary students whose president was murdered, a family where a member committed suicide, a couple whose business collapsed. I used to be uncomfortable and unsure of myself in the presence of hurting people. Now because of God's abundant grace and comfort in my life, I feel indebted to share God's help and hope for everyone.

The most unused evangelistic tool in the church today is the application of 2 Corinthians 1:4, "that we may comfort others." After our own trials and troubles, we can offer help to those going through adversity. People's grief and troubles give opportunities to show the love of God in human form, and to share what Christ can do in a life.

God has equipped us to be humble helpers of hurting people.

Wally Stephenson is the author of Through Tears to Triumph and six helpful booklets. He is available to conduct Through Tears to Triumph Seminars.

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