A full circle moment of gratitude
I couldn’t believe it. Almost 25 years ago, we experienced the death of our daughter at birth. Not long after, someone gifted us that very book, and it was instrumental in our healing during a devastating time.
It made such an impact that we later used memorial gifts to purchase a box of books for our church to hand out to others suffering loss through a miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant death. What a blessing that book was to me — and to countless others.
At the first opportunity, I introduced myself to the author, Kathe Wunnenberg, and told her how her experience and her words helped heal my shattered heart. Because of her faithfulness, God used her pain to bring healing to others.
Jesus gives purpose after the pain
That’s what we do when we walk through trials, isn’t it? We take what we’ve learned and share it with someone else still in the dark.
Jesus said something powerful to Peter on the night of Passover, the night everything fell apart. He told him:
“I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32 NIV).
Jesus knew Peter would deny Him. And He knew Peter would return. So, He gave him a purpose on the other side of failure: strengthen your brothers. Peter did exactly that — he spent the rest of his life encouraging and strengthening others, living out the purpose God gave him that night.
Your story can bring hope to someone else
Have you been there? Has God brought you through something hard, only to use it for good?
You don’t have to be a speaker or an author to share your story of God’s goodness. God’s presence stirs hearts. Listen — and let Him use you. His purpose for you is bigger than you can imagine.
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