“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” — 2 Corinthians 1:4
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Explain how God uses our stories to comfort others
- Outline a testimony that glorifies God and protects others
- Avoid glamorizing past harm or sharing others' stories
- Complete the final project and prepare for RML 252–254
Lesson Notes
Comforted to Comfort
Sharing the Comfort is the seventh stage. God comforts us that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4). Jesus told the man He had set free, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee (Mark 5:19).
They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (Revelation 12:11). Your story, offered humbly, can give someone else hope.
Shaping a Testimony
A simple outline:
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Before: what life was like, in brief and general terms.
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Turning point: how God met you or how you came to yourself.
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The path: which stages of The Restoration Path you have walked and what God has done.
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Today: honest about the present, including ongoing struggles.
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Hope: an invitation and a verse for the listener.
Spend more time on God's work than on the past. One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see (John 9:25).
Testimony Guidelines
- Do not glamorize drug use or past harm, and do not give details that could trigger listeners.
- Protect others: no names or details of victims, co-defendants, family members, or other residents. Their stories belong to them.
- Respect safety and security: no case details, facility information, or anything that could cause legal or personal harm.
- Be honest: recovery is ongoing. Do not claim more than is true.
- You choose: no one is ever required to share her story. A testimony can focus on a habit or stronghold such as worry or people-pleasing as truly as on addiction.
Looking Ahead
Your final project brings the course together: a recovery journal excerpt, a testimony outline, and a principles-to-practice plan. RML 252–254 will build on The Restoration Path as you learn to lead recovery groups, mentor others, and serve in recovery ministry. Wherever you serve, remember the leader's limits: walk alongside, point to Christ, and refer out.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sharing the Comfort | Stage 7: offering others the comfort we have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:4) |
| Testimony | A personal account of what God has done, shared to give hope |
| Glamorizing | Telling past harm or drug use in a way that makes it sound exciting or appealing |
| Recovery journal | A written record of reflections, prayers, and progress along the path |
In-Class Activities
Testimony Peer Review
Exchange testimony outlines with a partner. Using the guidelines, note one strength and one suggestion. Check especially: Is more time spent on God's work than on the past? Are others protected? Is anything glamorized? Revise your outline.
Restoration Path Review
In small groups, write each of the seven stages on a card with its verse. Put them in order, then name one key idea, one safety point, and one practical action for each stage.
Assignment: Final Project Submission
Submit your Recovery Journal Excerpt, Testimony Outline, and Principles-to-Practice Plan (see the Final Project section).
Graded with the Final Project Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Second Corinthians 1:4 says God comforts us so that we can comfort others. What comfort have you received from God during this course? Who might God use you to comfort someday?
Prayer focus: Thank God for His comfort on every step of the path, and offer your story to Him to use for others' hope.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Tell What Great Things the Lord Hath Done
After Jesus set a tormented man free, the man begged to follow Him. Jesus said instead, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee (Mark 5:19). The man's story became his ministry.
Sharing the Comfort is the seventh stage. God comforts us that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble (2 Corinthians 1:4). A testimony is not a performance. It is an offering of hope: what life was like, how God met you, the path you have walked, where you are today, and an invitation to the listener.
A wise testimony spends more time on God's work than on the past. It never glamorizes drug use or harm, never names victims or other people, and never shares case details. It is honest that recovery is ongoing. And it is always your choice to share. A testimony about God freeing you from worry or people-pleasing is just as true as one about addiction.
As you finish this course, you are not finished with the path. You will walk it again and again, and RML 252–254 will help you lead others along it. Remember the leader's limits: walk alongside, point to Christ, and refer out. God, who began a good work in you, will carry it on (Philippians 1:6).
Think About It
- What great thing has the Lord done for you? ______________________
- What would you want a listener to take away from your story? ______________________
- Which testimony guideline matters most to you, and why? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 8
Comforted to Comfort
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.— 2 Corinthians 1:4 (KJV)
God's comfort to you is meant to flow through you.
Reflect: What comfort from God would you most like to pass on?
Pray: Lord, make me a channel of Your comfort.
Do: Encourage one person who is struggling today.
Go Home and Tell
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.— Mark 5:19 (KJV)
Our first mission field is often home.
Reflect: Who at home might need to hear what God has done?
Pray: Lord, give me courage and wisdom to tell my story.
Do: Write one sentence about what God has done for you.
Now I See
He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.— John 9:25 (KJV)
You do not need all the answers to share what you know.
Reflect: What is the one thing you know God has done?
Pray: Lord, thank You for opening my eyes.
Do: Share your one thing I know with someone you trust.
The Word of Their Testimony
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.— Revelation 12:11 (KJV)
Christ's work and our testimony together overcome the enemy.
Reflect: How has Christ's work become part of your story?
Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory of Your blood.
Do: Finish your testimony outline and pray over it.
He Will Perform It
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:— Philippians 1:6 (KJV)
God finishes what He starts. Your recovery is in His hands.
Reflect: What good work has God begun in you during this course?
Pray: Lord, finish the good work You began in me.
Do: Write a thank-you prayer for your growth in this course.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Second Corinthians 1:4 teaches that God comforts us so that:
- 2.
A strong testimony spends the most time on:
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Which belongs in a testimony?
- 4.
Every student must share her personal testimony with the class.
- 5.
Name the five parts of the testimony outline.