When we’re in pain, we want God to comfort us! Right now! But what if He’s in the process of making us comfort-able first. That’s what this little boy teaches us. Keep reading.
A storeowner 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 only have $2.37. But can I look at them?”
The storeowner 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 storeowner 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 storeowner’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 storeowner 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)
Heart moment.
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).
Those words “so that” stop me in my tracks every time.
See, God doesn’t comfort us simply to make us comfortable. He comforts us to make us comfort-able…able to comfort others.
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.
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.
Leave a comment and tell what the title of your story might be.
Digging Deeper
Your story matters, and someone needs to hear it. But are you ready to tell it? Has the healing happened? If you know you have a story to tell but not sure where to begin, this book is for you: When You Don’t Like Your Story: What if Your Worst Chapters Could Become Your Greatest Victories.
And what a wonderful gift for Christmas! The This is my Story adjustable bracelet! Check it out!
Healing can happen! Your story matters.
© 2024 by Sharon Jaynes. All rights reserved.
Comments 32
Fearful No More
My family hates me because I voted differently than they did and now they fear for their lives.
KK, you are probably hearing the fear of the unknown in what your family is saying. But remember, no matter what, God is in control. And He can use this time in your life to show you how to help others down the road, as Sharon was saying. In the meantime, cling to him and his Word – every day – and He’ll give you the peace that passes all understanding. Truly! He will be there! A couple verses that always minister to me when I am overwhelmed are Philippians 4:6-7. I’ll pray for you tonight. God bless you.
This book is EMPOWERING!!! This book was everything I needed it to be. I lead this study for a group of women at my church. I know it changed my life and it brought a woman to me that had a similar story. Through it we have been able to hold each other accountable and comfort each other past hard parts where we may have been stuck longer than we needed to be.
Thank you Sharon for using the talents God gave you and the situations you’ve been through to help others. It breaks the bondage of shame and guilt where the enemy wants to keep us. Sharing your story shows the power of God’s amazing grace and healing powers.
Anyone reading this, please know that there is beauty on the other side of whatever situation you are going through. Be strong and press into God’s amazing word and ways. Never give up. Be still and listen for God’s whispers. Praise in any way you can. Perspective toward God’s love, grace and provisions is a game changer.
The Unloved Child who Survived it All
Yes! I tell everyone that God does not waste our pain. Whether He causes or allows situations in our lives, He has a plan and will use it for our good and His glory. A few years ago, I went through a horrible season. But since then God has given me opportunities to help other women I would not have been equipped for otherwise. It has also strengthened my faith as I have learned to trust in His goodness, faithfulness, and love.
The title of my story might be “Busted but not Broken”. I’ve suffered through chronic pain for more than 18 years, three back surgeries and more treatments than I can count. Through them all I had hope that God would use one to heal me. Now my hope was not in the treatments, and I know that He can speak my healing, but when you suffer as I have you grasp at any hope.
Through all of the suffering, God has given me a different perspective. I used to be a “pull up your socks and go on” person, thinking if you’re strong enough, pray enough, believe enough, you will get through and be healed. Some people even challenged me with “if you have enough faith, you will be healed”. Then I asked “what is enough?” So, if I could describe my story, it would be “I might be down but I’m not out “. So if I could point to one thing that’s come out of all this, it would be this..I see other people’s pain in a different light. I feel their pain. The difference between sympathy and empathy.
I sent this story to my daughter who is trying to recover from a breakup that has forced her to make life long decisions
She us struggling and filled with anxiety.
Is there a book I can send her?
I also would love to purchase the bracelet
Ty in advance I appreciate you
Hello christine. I pray you are well. There is a youtube video of a pastor speaking about anxiousness. It is truly a blessing for me and I pray it will bless your daughter. I’m putting anxiousness under arrest” dharius Daniels on youtube it has 2 parts. I pray that it free her from the influence of the enemy and that she will find peace. Philippians 4:4-9 is also a healing scripture.
God bless.
Hi Christine, a book that helped me was It’s not supposed to be this way by Lysa TerKeurst. She has 2 more that she wrote after, Forgiving what you can’t forget and Good Boundaries and Goodbyes that are also great! There is also a Pastor on YouTube that speaks on anxiety, depression, etc that was just so wonderful to hear. His name is Mark DeJesus. Praying your daughter will find peace in the midst of this trial and change in her life.
I went through a breakup- a life changing breakup- after a 29 year marriage. I had anxiety and so much stress over my decision and moving forward in my life.
But God….
Sometimes it was just me and God. I would go to Him through prayer, devotions, music, and often a desperate cry for help.
He was always there.
And my memories of that are palatable.
God has taken me to the other side, just like Jesus said when He got into the boat with his disciples and a storm arose.
Please tell your daughter, there IS the other side and God will never leave her nor forsake her in the middle.
My title would be Mom of Special Needs Child. It is a long journey, but a blessed journey. Because I didn’t receive much encouragement through my journey, I am always willing to take the time to help others. All I know is that God comes through. Maybe not in the way I expected or in the timeframe I wanted, but I choose to hold on.
This message was perfect for me this morning! I’m usually in constant pain and have limited mobility. Instead of asking God to take my pain, I will use it to help someone!
Sharon,
I’ve never left a comment before, but just had to tell you that I just gave my testimony last night in a small group at church called fear is a liar. I just went through several months of a health crisis and came out the other end healed. The Lord was truly amazing through it all. I’m writing a book about it. Part of my story used the word “calamity” in it and I see the AMP version uses that word. Wow!
I love how God repeats Himself.
I enjoy your emails so much.
Thank you!
Jilly 💕
What a precious devotion. I cried as I read it. This describes how God has brought comfort to my own life through others, His creation and the power of His Word. As a result of some deep trials I have walked through, which challenged my faith, His comfort has wrought in me a deeper understanding and compassion for others! I am a more sensitive person and a better listener. Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear and a sweet time of prayer, not advice. Thank you for posting this excellent reminder this morning. God bless you!
My title would be Changing your Sackclothe to a Robe after Infidelity.
God has given me the privilege every week to be of comfort and support to women recovering from infidelity, just as God and other women were to me. I am thankful I am able to live out this verse.
I love this message. He is my comforter, my stronghold if I didn’t know how to call and say his name Jesus, I can’t imagine where I would be right now. I have no one person that encourages me that cares to hear my story of life. Everyone seems to only care about themselves and how great and wonderful they are doing. While I am praying for a miracle not just for my marriage but for my body. I have three doctors appointments coming up in December and I’m scared. I cry out Jesus and he is with me. I lean unto him alone. My Mother was a wonderful Christian. My Mother was my prayer warrior and guided me with biblical Scripture. She anointed my head with oil. Before any procedure now she has gone to be with my Father in heaven. Oh how I miss my Mother. I need a miracle if anyone would pray for my mind, body and soul all prayers are appreciated. I thank my Lord and Savior for all he has done for me. I ask that my kidneys be healed, my heart be healed, my mind not to grow weary and fear to set in. That my marriage will be filled with Gods grace, love and support. When you have gone unsupported for so many years it is so lonely. Oh God how I need you!
Anita
Please be assured that I will continue to pray for your health and healing
Praying for you Anita!
This showed my purpose for the things I have been through! Thank you for this word today.
My title “The hurt I did not instigated.”
My title
“Hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed”
“Perplexed but not in despair”
My story would be Still Unconquered…
Wow!
This message was so fitting for my circumstances today! Today, we have lost my close cousin due to a gunshot. Our family is in a lot of pain. Please pray for comfort, protection, strength & peace for me & my family. Thank you for your prayers. God Bless!
I could have so many “titles” to my story, but for now I will call it “God is Good”! I have dealt with anxiety since childhood which started at a very young age. I am an only child. I grew up in a good home…but lots of turmoil raged between my parents….and I was the witness. At 10, I lost a best friend cousin who died from meningitis unexpectedly at age 12 which shook my young world. I couldn’t believe a child could die…not long after my Aunt lost her 7 1/2 month old in the womb when her uterus collapsed. I had never seen such a tiny casket. I grew up, married and had 2 children….then at 36, discovered I was expecting again. Unfortunately, that turned into a partial molar pregnancy and all the stress it entailed…of course the loss of our baby as well. A couple of years later, I was told that I had PTSD which caused so many issues including ocular migrane problems. Then in 2021, I ended up in the hospital with sepsis, and to this day I and the doctors are still baffled at how I got it….but I survived that battle.. PRAISE GOD! So, truly, God is Good….all the time. He gave me such a peace when I was hospitalized for a week in 2021 that only He could give. So, yes, I have several stories (including more I have not shared here) to use for encouraging others when God sends them my way. I am ready and waiting to share how GOOD He truly is. He has never failed to be right with me every step of the way.
Last year my friend Loretta introduced me to another neighbor, Ed, after my husband had passed away. Each night when I walked past his house, burdened with anxiety and sadness, Ed would call out from his lanai, “Do you want to hear the latest Dad joke?” which he would tell and then exclaim “I got you to smile!” This year, when the ambulance pulled up in front of his house, I knew he had tried to take his own life. I bought him an encouragement card and wrote inside “Just remember God is in Control. God is good – all the time” and my phone number.
He called a couple of days later and I asked him. He admitted he had slit his wrists and asked me ” How did you know?” I said did you think I have never been in a dark place – and that I had not tried to end my life? We texted each other and called each other and became good friends. He tried over the summer to kill himself and I talked with him and encouraged him, but regrettably, he had demons he could not fight and took his own life October 30th. I found him Halloween morning – he had passed. I know I did the best that I could, but pray for me.
“From a reject, to a beloved”
Be blessed
A Life in the Shadow of Death
Carey,
I to got sepsis from my gallbladder surgery. I was in the hospital 47 days. I came home with a home health care nurse with the bag still attached to my colon. The only reason I’m here today is by prayers being sent to the thrown of God. My Doctor also told me I had PTSD. God has delivered me time and time again. God is Bigger and you and I are blessed!
God Bless you and keep you in his loving care.
Anita
Choosing Joy
I am again waiting for severe depression and anxiety to subside so I can be a better witness.
The title of my story would be, The Prodigal Daughter. I walked away from God at 17 years old. I struggled spiritually for over 20 years. I got married at 19. We raised a boy and a girl. Our son was a lot of trouble all his life growing up. He defied us and discipline every day. He is now 41 years old happy and loves the Lord! I call him our Prodigal Son. As for me, I finally rededicated my life to the Lord many years ago and He is telling me to tell my story. My husband gave his life to the Lord shortly after my rededication. That is how I came up with that title. I know what it’s like to defy God, and how sweet it was when He welcomed me back with opened arms and all His Angels singing! He reassures me that I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!!
Author
What a wonderful story!!!!