I know you have heard the questions:

Why do I experience trouble and failure over and over in my life?
Why are my relationships with others so disappointing?
Why doesn’t God answer my prayers?
Why am I afraid of the future?
Why am I just basically unhappy with my life?

    You may do what I do — listen a lot because I do care about people. Deep down people wonder if they are viewed as “whiners” or not tough enough to overcome the darkness that comes into our lives from time to time. Answers come to us like these. “Have faith”, You just have to trust better”, “read your Bible regularly”, and “improve your prayer life.” But sometimes nothing seems to help and we don’t think anyone wants to hear it anymore.

    I have discovered an amazing truth, something you probably already knew a long time ago! You can use your pain as an avenue of God’s blessing for someone else in great emotional pain. You can give compassion and briefly tell a person what has helped you the most in a dark, dark time.

Again and again we’ve seen God take what was horrible in my life and reach a hurting heart through us.

    In fact you can light a faith candle to light the soul of another sufferer. I know because of my battle with cancer in 1973, 1974 and 1975 and then a second major battle in 1981 and 1982. By the merciful powerful hand of God I was healed. And during these times I watched in amazement as God used Camilla and me to make a difference in another sufferer’s life. Again and again we’ve seen God take what was horrible in my life and reach a hurting heart through us. Praise His name and all glory and honor is due to God and Him alone.

    How about the painful experiences of your life right now? Have they made you more willing to hold the hand of a fellow struggler? I’m sure the answer is yes!

    If you are interested, I would be happy to send you a “You’re Not Alone” booklet and some practical answers that may help you come alongside a wounded spirit in the strength God provides. Remember the five “Why” questions with which I began this essay? Each one of them involves complicated pain. But with God all things are possible and it is His compassionate character that precedes our efforts to encourage someone in pain. He goes with us and before us.

    E-mail me at rbecton@heraldoftruth.org or write me at Herald of Truth, Box 2439, Abilene, TX 79604 and ask for the “ministry packet” and we will provide it as long as we can.

    With you as you bless shattered hearts,

    Randy Becton

© 2002, Randy Becton, Hope for Life. Used by permission.
Title: "Your Pain Can Bless Hurting People"
Author: Randy Becton
Publication Date: April 12, 2002

Share with Others	Related Heartlight Resources
Print this Article Send it to a Friend Discuss	Dependent on God's Presence Hope for Life