Have you ever wondered if your story could help someone else? Consider this precious story…
A store owner was tacking a sign in his store window, which read PUPPIES FOR SALE, when a little boy appeared.
“How much are you selling the puppies for?” he asked.
The man told the lad he didn’t expect to let any of them go for less than $50.
The boy reached in his pocket, pulled out some change, looked up at the storeowner and said, “I have two dollars and thirty-seven cents. Can I look at them?”
The store owner smiled and whistled. From the kennel, a dog named Lady came running down the aisle, followed by five tiny balls of fur. One puppy lagged behind. Immediately, the little boy asked about the limping puppy.
“What’s wrong with that doggie?”
“The veterinarian told us the dog is missing a hip socket,” said the storeowner. “He’ll always limp like that.”
“That’s the one I want to buy,” the lad said quickly.
The store owner replied, “No, you don’t want to buy that dog. If you really want him, I’ll just give him to you.”
The boy came close to the store owner’s face and said angrily, “I don’t want you to just give him to me. That doggie is worth just as much as all the other puppies and I’ll pay the full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now and $.50 a month until I have him paid for!”
The store owner replied, “No, no, no. You don’t want that dog. He’s never going to be able to run and jump and play like the other dogs.”
In response, the little boy pulled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted left leg, supported by two steel braces.
“Well, sir,” he said, “I don’t run so well myself and that puppy will need someone who understands.” (Story from Puppies for Sale and Other Inspirational Tales by Dan Clark)
In 2 Corinthians, Paul wrote: “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 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).
The Amplified version says verse 4 this way: “Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God (AMPC).
It’s those words “so that” that stop me in my tracks.
God doesn’t comfort us simply to make us comfortable. He comforts us to make us comfort-able…able to comfort other people.
Dear friend, God may very well send someone your way who needs a person who understands. No one can help a woman who is struggling with a wayward teenager like the mother who has welcomed a prodigal home. No one can encourage a woman struggling with depression like the woman who has come out of that same darkness and into the light. No one can help a woman struggling with the pain of a shameful past like the woman who has exchanged her tattered sackcloth for a princess’s robe.
That’s why your story matters.
The parts of my story I used to wish had been edited out have become the ones God has highlighted as His most amazing work in my life—especially helping others know they are not alone.
Have you gone through something that makes you comfort-able? If so, I encourage you to encourage someone today. Leave a comment and tell what the title of what story might be.
Lord, thank You for being the God of all comfort who has comforted me time and time again. This week, show me someone who needs to know the comfort that You have given me. Help me not be ashamed to tell about the struggles I have had in my own life, but to be an encouragement to someone who needs to know there is hope. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is one part of your story that God wants you to use to help other people? Leave a comment and let’s share.
What if your worst chapters could become your greatest victories? I know that they can!
Check out Sharon’s book to see how the pages you’d like to tear out of your story could become the ones that God uses the most. If you feel stuck in a bad chapter, this book will help you move forward in freedom and victory! Includes a Bible study guide. Click here for your copy of When You Don’t Like Your Story: What if Your Worst Chapters Could Become Your Greatest Victories.
Comments 42
I praise the Lord that I am able to comfort others who have been abused, misused, and abandoned.
Recovery, no shame.
I have survived not one, but two marriages that failed due to husbands having and affair. I am or was so ashamed. I was committed to my marriages, I am embarrassed to say I was married and they failed.
Amen. Me too. 28 years to a Pastor who wouldn’t break off an affair with a woman in the congregation and then a five year marriage that ended with him having an affair.
Thank you for sharing your words, Jodi. The Lord has been working shame out of my life. I too have been married and my ex husband was unfaithful and resulted in a divorce. I had never considered what I felt as being shame. But that is exactly it! I will be praying through this today and grateful for another layer of healing 🙏🏼
Jodi, I am so sorry for that shame and pain you have had to endure. I was unfaithful to my husband for a 6 year period. Because of God’s hand in our lives we are still together but I understand the pain and shame you feel. I know there is nothing in the world like that trauma of adultery. I pray that you continue to lean on the strength and healing that only God can give you. Our healing has been helped by a wonderful Christian online program called Affair Recovery. It’s a safe and healing place to learn and understand and heal from the trauma of adultery.
One of the most heart wrenching walks I had with my son, 14 at the time, included the words, “Hey Mom, you know I’m gay, right?” I had to work hard to hold back tears, not freak out, pray quickly for wisdom, and speak Truth to my “baby”. This “baby” is getting married June 8, 2023 to a wonderful Christian woman!! Praise God!! It was a long road, and my son will always struggle with SSA, but he loves his fiancée and she knows what he’s dealing with and is willing to support and love him, even with that struggle. The long road included years of counseling for my son by someone trained through CCEF, me reading everything I could get my hands on i.r.t. homosexuality and the church (Is God anti-gay? by Sam Alberry was helpful) just to know what to say, connecting with Harvest USA, having the Headmaster and Dean at our son’s Christian High School partner with us and speak the truth in love to our son when appropriate, having a loving environment for our son at home, and much prayer. Praise the Lord that our son was so outspoken about it. At our next Small Group, he just came in and said, “Hey everyone. I’m into guys and I’d like you all to pray for me.” This was all on his own and the other kids really respected him for his transparency and everyone, parents and kids, prayed continually and walked along side of him. We’re on the other side now, and my son shared that we did everything right. Only by the Grace of God! He said he has met other kids at his Christian college that came out and their parents freaked out and essentially kicked them out. There was no love involved. Now, I can help parents with my story, but God is already using our son. He has even witnessed to gay couples simply by having conversations. He shares an understanding that I cannot relate to. He has chosen to follow Christ and he shares that, in a loving, non judgmental way, as it’s still his struggle. It’s beautiful and God is so good!
What a wonderful thing. I have a trans ftm child who I too am loving and praying for them to have a relationship with Jesus.
Oh how I pray my son’s story works out as good as yours did. My son is almost 27 years old and is living the gay lifestyle. It breaks our hearts as he comes from a Christian family. He did accept Christ as his Savior and Lord and was baptized when he was younger. He has totally walked away from that. Please pray!!
Praising the Lord for your testimony!
I read Sharon Jaynes’ devo on comforting others with the same comfort we have received – right after reading another marvelous devo (from “Your Daily Prayer”) on Psalm 68:11 “The Lord gives the command; The women who proclaim good news are a great army” – Psalm 68:11 NASB
That verse is well worth studying in all its various translations! I reflect with joy of the various Christian women’s organizations that help build up and establish God’s kingdom of love, joy, peace, and comfort!
My husband broke my heart 20 yrs ago becoming my x husband. Just when Jesus had it all back together I allowed my x to break it a second time a year ago.🙁
Carol,
I can relate. I had my heart broken from my ex boyfriend 22 years ago and I too had it all back together and healed and we were brought back together in marriage in 2018. Now he has filed for a divorce two months ago. Once again my heart has been broken by him. I’m praying and seeking God through this for strength and his will.
We’re going through some real struggles … we got through the broken ankle (me), open heart surgery (hubby), cancer diagnosis (hubby), and some treatment…. now he’s suffering terribly from leg pain… can’t sleep at night. Doctor thinks it may be a while and suspended treatment. It’s been quite the journey…. but God is still good!
So, so true! After living 75 yrs & surviving a major stroke at age 39 plus advanced breast cancer before age 50 I’ve had multiple opportunities to share the comfort & grace of God with others. He is able to use us & bring great restoration & beauty from the ashes of our lives. Ii’ve found it so!
So, so true. After surviving a major stroke at age 39 & stage 3 breast cancer before I was 50 I have experienced the grace & comfort of God — & have been blessed by comforting others too.
From Ashes To Beauty. Or perhaps, The Valley Walker. Either would be appropriate titles for the season that I am still currently walking through. I am still in the midst of difficult times, but I KNOW that God can use me, and my story, to encourage others, give them hope, and point them toward Him. That has been my prayer – for God to reveal purpose in my pain, for nothing to be wasted. I have continually been knocked down, and even kicked when down, but I refuse to stay down – that is what the enemy wants. Instead, I have picked myself up, and asked God to hide me under His wings; and I invited Him to fight my battles for me. I am still waiting for the breakthrough, the victory, the full testimony of what I KNOW HE IS GOING TO DO. So, once I get to the other side of this battle, I will be SHOUTING what God has done for me and my family!!!
I found out my husband of 35 years had been living a second life with my best friend (who was also married) of 36 years. When I discovered their affair, they had been together for over 4 years. To make things more uncomfortable, our children were close friends.
I am a women who lost her mom and her voice as a middle child at age 10. I felt invisible and unloved for years. I got Saved at age 35 and God is still working on me to fill that void. I’ve had one failed marriage and is now married to a wonderful man. My struggle is loving him the way he deserves to be loved. I am truly a work in progress.
I pray that God will use me to help others know that they are worthy and valuable to God..
I lost my beloved son in Oct to covid. He led a very active Christian life leading others to Christ. He was only 52 and had so much work for the Lord he wanted to accomplish. His death effected hundreds . It has been hard but I have had friends who have lost children and husbands step forward to comfort me. Especially one who also lost her son and then one who lost her son and her husband to covid. We celebrate their lives and have faith that God knows best as we continue our walk. It is important to not isolate yourself but to reach out to others that God has placed into your lives for such a time as this. We all have a purpose and it may just be to comfort that friend or family member. God is good…..All the time. May you feel his love, forgiveness, and comfort.
God is leading me into a Ministry for moms of lgbtq+ children. Our youngest daughter is transitioning into a son. And I am walking with this child of mine praying that one day they will have a relationship with Jesus. My job is to love this child in the way that Jesus loves to me. Jesus gave us a new commandment as it says in John 13:35 “I’m giving you a new commandment; love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”
Gina, that is wonderful! Your child is so lucky to have you!
Gina, if I may ask, how old is your youngest daughter? I would be really interested in having a conversation. My daughter would prefer to be my son…
“Too Much and Not Enough”
The past 5 years had me walking with Jesus through some devastating lows and incredible redemptive highs. My marriage of 40 years ended, with my ex husband bringing another woman to live with him in our home a month after he told me he wanted a divorce. Three of my closest friends died from cancer. I lost the job I had for 10 years and loved. My younger son turned to street drugs, abandoning his successful career, his wife & 2 small children and has now been homeless and on the streets for 3 years. I tried everything I could , spending tons of money and turning my life inside out to help him, to no avail. Two months ago I made the devastating decision to step away from my sons choices- moving and changing my phone number so that he can’t contact me. I still look for him on every street corner. My husband suffered a work injury that forced him to completely change the model of his business- a month after my ex husband ended my spousal support payments. And a month ago my Mom died after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. But God…..
I remarried in Nov/20 to a wonderful Christian man. We are renovating a house that is big enough for our now quite large blended family. We found a church where grace and love are lived and preached and have made some lovely new friends. The charity I sat on the Board for offered me a staff position at double the salary of the job I lost. I have a good friendship with my troubled son’s ex wife and see her and my grandkids regularly. (Along with my other 2 adult kids and their families). My husbands business is steadily improving with hired crews rather than just him doing all the work (he’s a painter). Because of my happier life and closer relationship with Jesus, I am healthier and have lost over 50 pounds. This spring I’m buying a bicycle and learning to kayak. I still walk with the pain of my many losses, but completely trusting God for His plan for my life, and embracing every opportunity to share His love and compassion with others on a difficult road. Hallelujah and Amen.
Thank you for sharing your story. It has given me hope for my future.
Lorri This is a wonderful story how God has changed your life from bad to a wonderful ending. Praise God
How true! I have never been sorry I had Breast Cancer because God sustained me from the start to now in the last 24 years. I love Him so much because He has always loved me first. Yes, is true that when someone is going thru the same thing you have gone, it’s wonderful to be there for that person who is now going through the same thing.
Thank you for your beautiful devotion. It is very inspiring to know that God has everything in His Living Word we need to find and know.
Broken andTattered 50 cents please is the title of a childrens book I am writing. It is about a handicapped little girl who goes in a store and sees a broken doll wearing a tattered dress.. All the other dolls were perfect but she wanted to love the broken one. Sharon the story of the boy and limping dog reminded me of my story of how God uses our brokenness to love the broken. Love makes us all beautiful, just as God sees us.
I have travelled a journey that I never expected. My ex husband was addicted to pornography which resulted him being arrested and imprisoned. My testimony is that God has been my strength and shield and taken me on many personal adventures since our break up. God has proved his faithfulness and provision to me over and over again.
My story is of divorce, This journey has carried a lot of pain and shame for me. Having to start a new chapter in my life has come with many challenges. Putting my faith in God for restoration and healing is what has given me strength. My desire is to put this chapter of my life to use by helping others that have dealt with or are dealing with divorce. I feel like there is not enough Christian support out here for those of use struggling with this. I pray that God will lead me into right path and show me how to use my pain and experiences to help others.
I have been blessed with many uncomfortable situations, many I am ashamed of and many caused by others. Abortion, Addictions (Substance Abuse), Single Parent, Infidelity, Sexual Harassment by an employer, Physical/Mental abuse, homosexuality in my family, Rejected/Abandoned/Betrayed by my spouses and family and friends. I always wonder why God would allow His children to suffer so much hurt and pain especially when it’s caused by the people in your life. The worst situation was when my 2nd husband, who I thought was perfect, had multiple affairs with younger women. I am currently separated and will eventually divorce. My first husband suffered from a drug addiction he would not let go even after I offered to help him. The environment was not safe for both my children and I had no choice but to leave. With God’s help, I am still working on healing. I feel that I have to be truly healed from my brokenness before I am able to help anyone through theirs. God has a plan and purpose for everything. Thank you for sharing. Reading the comments above confirms I’m not alone. Grateful for the opportunities that God reveals I’m not alone.
My husband left me when our daughter was 9 months. I didn’t know at the time of course, but years later I discovered she had ADHD. So I have been raising my daughter with a condition as a single mom and not much help from her father. But God has kept me and ensured I haven’t gone insane.
I survived being molested as a child to only later being verbally, emotionally and sexually abused by my first husband. My second husband abused me financially. God has made me into a stronger woman that can help other who have been through that.
Thank you, Sharon. It’s good to read testimony that everyone is going through something…yet God….
I can’t compare grief, my grief is different than yours. But I appreciate the truth that God comforts us so we in turn can comfort others. And what a gift it is to listen and say, “me too” to someone who is hurting. To offer empathy without cliches.
At age 17 I was in a horrific car accident and lost my sister (19) and close friend (18). It wasn’t until I was married that I realized I had issues trusting a loving God.
I married a wonderful, quiet farmer and settled into the idea we would raise a family on a farm. The farmer part happened but the farm never did. We have rented land for 17 years without the opportunity to buy the farm. We live in a rental house, my kids are entering teen years and didn’t get the dream we thought was in Gods perfect plan. Is God good? Does God see?
Elizabeth Elliot once said, “Suffering (trials) I’d never for nothing..” I’ve been through premature death, grief, multiple surgeries, and grief over never owning my own house or raising my kids on the farm. Yet I would never deny so many other answers to prayer in our life!
When others go through pain I can offer a listening ear. I can agree, I don’t understand. I can pray with them. I can weep with them. I can ask God to increase our faith & renew our hope. And I can agree, God is the ONLY one that can perform the miracle to change this around or make something good out of it.. He gets all the glory.
There are a lot of stories in these comments from many brave women who have suffered much. I have a son who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident 14 years ago and we take care of him at home. He is full care, with a feeding tube and catheter. He eye blinks to communicate but does not walk or talk. I still work full time, but we are getting older and it is a hard life. . I also have two other sons and my husband of 16 years. Praise God for my husband who did not walk out after my son’s accident. And I praise God for all of His provision and help all these years as we try to walk this out, praying daily for my son to be healed. God is still good no matter what we go through. And He will never let us down. He is so faithful!
My husband struggled with addiction for years. We have four children so that was the hardest time in my life. Today he is drug free and serving God, helping others who have the same struggle. So often I wanted to give up and walk away but God said keep praying!
God gave me the strength to stand for my marriage when my husband left me for another woman. During me stand, God changed me for the better. I became closer to the Lord in such a deep way and I don’t think I would have ever gotten there had I not gone through what I did. I learned the power of love and forgiveness. By a miracle of God, He restored my marriage. I’ve been able to share my story and help other women go are going through the same thing. God never wastes our pain. Praise God!!
To every Storm came a new colour of my Rainbow which God comforted
I was born out of wedlock. My mother ashamed of her situation never thought she or I would be accepted. Then as a single mom she finds out her daughter is born with several health issues. Unsure whether I’d live or die. After many surgeries and an awesome team of Dr’s I was given new life.
Then along came a man who was introduced to my mom. Her immediate thoughts were once he knows I have a child he will soon disappear. God had better plans. That man fell in love not only with her but with me also. Before they married he asked if he could adopt me. Wow, what an incredibly beautiful thing he asked.
These are just a few of my short comfort-able stories in my life. Maybe 1 day I’ll be courageous enough to share more. I am now 54 and definitely have many beautiful colours in my rainbow of life. God has never given up on me and has brought me through many trials and difficult times. I’m so grateful to know and have Jesus as my saviour.
Thank you for sharing this devotional it’s extremely encouraging and I look forward to being a comfort-able to someone God places in my path along the way
There is countless of titles that would go for me.
I’ve been through childhood abuse of neglect, verbal abuse and I’ve been through broken hearts of betrayals from people who I thought were my friends. I have been married twice, divorced once but possibly for second …. It seems by looking at me my life is plain and boring. At most it is. But I’ve got enough to write a book.
” How the Lord turned my wine into living water” would start with my battle with alcohol and the demise of my marriage due to my husband’s affair, but it would all lead to sobriety of 4 years now. More than that that, it would show how God picked up a broken woman, redeemed her and filled her with more joy than she ever thought possible. Each day I thank God for my alcoholism because it gave me the relationship with Him I never would have had.
I AM STILL ME
I am thankful to God for giving me a second chance at life. I got cancer 2 and a half years ago, my body changed quite a bit due to operations and treatments but despite even the mood and emotional changes my husband has not given up on us despite what changes I/we have been through. He still loves me and and still with me. Just like the little boy saw the dog the first time without knowing about the flaw , my husband saw me and then still wanted me after the flaw, the little boy still wanted the dog. Thank you Lord.
My title would be “From Depression to Joy”. I was depressed and anxious, but God brought peace and restoration because of His work in my life.
Thank you Sharon. It has been quite some time since I’ve commented. I went through a second divorce and have battled feeling shame for a long time. Divorced twice. First marriage was very educated and popular person who physically and emotionally abused me. Second marriage I thought was going to be last. My husband who was a mens group leader and friend of pastor had an affair with another church member. I begged my husband and God for my marriage to be redeemed. It didn’t happen. I brought shame onto myself and have worked hard to overcome. My father just passed away and my sister has now betrayed me with her actions. It’s so hard to “keep going, holding your head up, staying positive, etc” I’ve been struggling through for 3 years. I’m tired, lonely, untrusting of everything it seems. It’s is so helpful to hear from others and focus not on myself and pray for everyone. Every story and life has a purpose. Thank you all for sharing, for making me feel not alone even tho stories are different from mine. Will be praying for everyone. Much love to all.