"I knew my father was dying, but inside I was torn apart. First praying, 'Please go home to God; you'll have peace there,' then crying, 'No! Don't leave me alone!' Many people tried to help me, but the ones God used to heal me were the ones who had been through the same things. They were the ones who truly understood."

This testimony from one of our partners is significant because, through experience, God has taught her the purpose of some of the sufferings which we can't comprehend. She has learned that the understanding gained through the fires of suffering, can release the healing power of God like nothing else can. Sympathy can't do it. Head knowledge can't do it. But firsthand understanding is, indeed, the ultimate comfort. The Apostle Paul expressed it this way: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, NIV).

Consider tonight what you have been through. What painful situations are you facing now? Realize that God wants to use these sufferings to release His healing power through you. You may have experienced things that few people understand, but somewhere there is a hungry soul who is longing for the ultimate comfort - that is, to be understood!

Heavenly Father, I praise You that no experience is ever wasted. You use each trial...each pain, for the good of someone else and to build Your Kingdom. Direct me to those I can help with the unique understanding that I have to give. I long to be used! Release Your comfort and Your healing power through me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.