When a mother eagle builds her nest, she starts with thorns, broken branches, and sharp rocks. Then she lines her nest with a thick padding of feathers, wool, and animal fur-to make her nest soft for eggs she will lay. By the time her young eaglets reach flying age, the comfortable nest and free meals make them reluctant to leave. So the mother eagle begins to stir her nest. She pulls up the carpet of feathers, fur, and wool so the sharp rocks will show the young eagles it’s time to move out and grow up. God often allows us to have painful experiences to teach us to grow up. We may also discover that some of our difficulties are not for us only. They may come to equip us so we can sympathize and encourage others. That is what the Apostle Paul was telling us in 2 Corinthians CH. 1: “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” Our wise Heavenly Father may permit difficulties to come our way for another reason. Not only does He soothe us in our pain, but He designs our experience to equip us so we can cheer on other hurting people.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
