INSPIRING OR PITIABLE?

There are times we wonder why we go through challenges. “Do I deserve this? What did I do to bring this on myself? Why is this happening to me? These are a few variations to some of the questions that fill our minds. Unfortunately, I don’t have a satisfactory answer for you. However, have you ever paused to look at it in a different way? What if everything we go through is for someone else?

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” (John 9:1-3 NLT)

Is it possible that we sometimes experience challenges so we can better understand others who face similar challenges? And by understanding them better, we feel empathy and are in a better position to offer them hope and solutions. I have learnt that people are more inclined to listen to and accept advice from someone who has had a similar experience.

Show me your battle scars and I will believe there is hope!

If you have never been sick, how can you encourage a sick person? If you have never had financial challenges, how can you give hope to someone who is facing one? If you have never experienced loss, how can you comfort someone who has?

Joyce Meyer said, “the servant test is simply how we respond to the opportunities God gives us to be a blessing to others. The closer we get to God, the more opportunities He gives us to serve others. When you are secure in your place in Christ, and when you find your strength and confidence in God, you take great joy in helping others every chance you get.”

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10 NIV)

Rick Warren also said, “you can give people hope; you show that you’ve been through the same thing and you reassure them that they’ll be able to get through it too. You show through your story that it can be done. When you share your experiences with others, you take away their fears. Hearing from someone who’s already gone through it is an inspiration. It’s motivational.”

“Encourage one another, and help one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11a GNT)

I am a believer in sharing your war stories and showing your scars. They don’t make you weak or pitiable; on the contrary, they show your strength, and who knows, they could be the very thing that will inspire someone else to keep holding on to hope.

Stay hopeful .…… find your purpose!

email: kemi@livingfreetolive.org

facebook: Livingfreetolive//Kemi Olawaiye-Dampson

instagram: @livingfreetolive

twitter: @livingfree2live