How does it affect us when someone who we love is going through the darkness, and we cannot take their pain or situation away?

It builds our testimony.

In life, we all experience situations and difficult times - often, we never know when it will end up being a life event. We experience sunshine and darkness. We experience times of great sadness and insurmountable joy, sometimes all within the same week.

The way we respond to difficult situations defines who we are at that moment, as well as who we become and how we give glory to His name. When we experience difficult times, whether it is due to money, depression, addiction, health or any other difficult situation we face in the world, we tend to either turn toward God’s word or away from it. When these situations happen in your life or of someone’s you hold dear, there are several passages to keep in mind to help you to turn toward God’s word.

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalms 94:1, New International Version)

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isiah 41:10, English Standard Version)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4, ESV)

You see, these are promises and accounts of how God has protected us, as believers. When the world is crashing down, always look to the sky, for He is there. He is faithful.

When you or your loved ones struggle with situations, remind them, love them and serve them as best as you can. Be a friend to support them and someone to talk to when they have nowhere else to turn. After all, often what they are going through is similar to something you have already gone through.

These difficult times help us to help others get through what they are experiencing. This life was never meant to be lived alone; so the more diverse your community or group is, there is a likelihood that someone in your group has already experienced the darkness you are walking through now.

All of us go through the darkness and valleys, but it helps and builds us up to walk through it together.

When Family Affects Testimony