This is called redemptive suffering.

“In our trouble God has comforted us—and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:6-7 TLB).

Think of the biggest troubles you’ve had in your life and the worst pain you’ve had to endure physically or emotionally.

God doesn’t want you to waste that hurt; he wants to redeem your suffering. You can always help people more through your weaknesses than through your strengths. Telling someone all the things you’re good at won’t help someone in pain. But sharing with them how God has walked with you through your pain could change their life.

One of the biggest hurts in my life was the death of my youngest son, who took his life after struggling with mental illness for 27 years. Almost every day somebody calls me from around the world, asking for help with mental health. I didn’t ask for that ministry; I didn’t think that would be a part of my dream. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to waste my pain.

The people that come to me for help think I must be safe because I’ve been through it—and because I’m willing to talk about it.

What pain in your life are you not talking about because you think it’s a burden you have to carry alone?

God wants to use you right now—not when you’ve fully recovered or moved past your pain. He wants to use you even in the areas that you have been embarrassed about and that still hurt.

Part of God’s dream for your life is that you help people, not just through your gifts and strengths but also through your pain. This is what Jesus has done for you.

This is the power of the Gospel.