You Are WantedSample

Your Story Will Help Others Heal

One day, not too far from now, you'll come out the other side of this. The pain will be less, the memories, although still there, won't be as sharp - and you will feel a sense of distance from the sorrow.

You will start to notice the heaviness has lifted, and the struggle seems different. Easier.

And then, one day, someone will ask you how you survived the rejection. They will want to know how you got through the betrayal because God doesn't write a story in our lives for just one person. He writes a story that holds hope for many.

In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3, Paul urges believers to share their stories, writing, "You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written now with ink but with Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

It's not too soon to begin thinking about finding purpose in the pain. Even today, as you continue to move through your healing, consider how God may be drawing you closer to Him and in what ways He may be inviting you into the healing journey of others.

It wasn't that long ago that I sat cross-legged on the floor of my new little apartment, in a new life I didn't ask for, a new identity I was unfamiliar with, and a future I feared. I wrestled with the why - why had this happened? I wondered if I would ever get to see what God was up to. And I begged Him to use my pain in whatever way He chose.

That Sunday at church, the Pastor, recently diagnosed with a painful illness, declared from the platform, "Our job is to help make Jesus famous! And if my illness will help with that, then bring it on!"

Her message took my breath away. This is the pivot point in our pain - when we can start to see that God uses our brokenness and His healing power to become real in the lives of others. He intends to draw us closer to Him through His attentive, loving-kindness and then send us out to find others who are hurting.

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 1:4, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

Our job is to help make Jesus famous. And as people who carry heavy stories, we have a divinely appointed opportunity to show God's faithfulness and redeeming power to others who are hurting.

What is the story God is writing in your life? Through your experience with rejection and betrayal, what messages is He preparing in your heart?

My friend, I want to remind you that God is not finished with your story yet. He will do immeasurably more with your story. My prayer is that you will feel the healing hands of Jesus on your heart and know how loved and wanted you are by the King of kings. May you find comfort in a deep knowing that God is at work and will continue to hold you through this season.

With much love,

Nicole

Healing Activity

List the things you know God has done for you through this season of your life, and consider how you might share your new understanding with others. And then spend some time thanking Him for His hands of protection through this difficult season.

Prayer

I remember all You have done for me, Lord. Thank you for the little and the big things that You take care of to show me You’re with me. Help me to remember every day what you’ve brought me through, and let this be a testimony for someone else who needs reminding of Your love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.