A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read “Puppies for Sale.” Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure enough a little boy appeared under the store owner’s sign.
“How much are you going to sell the puppies for?” the little boy asked.
The store owner replied, “Anywhere from $30 to $50.” The little boy said. “May I please look at them?” The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur.
One puppy was lagging considerably behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, “What’s wrong with that little dog?” The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered that it did not have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame.
The little boy became excited. “That is the puppy I want to buy.” The store owner said, “No, you don’t want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I will just give him to you.”
The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner’s eyes, pointing his finger, and said, “I don’t want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I will pay full price. In fact, I’ll give you $2.37 now and fifty cents a month until I have him paid for.”
The store owner countered, “You really do not want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.”
To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands.” – Author Unknown
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
Some of the most important words in the above passage are the words so that.
Thank God for the comfort He gives to us when we bring our past issues or present issues to Him. He can bring comfort that is supernatural and beyond anything earth can offer. He cares. He comforts. He heals. While He does that for our benefit, the scripture gives valuable information. He comforts us so that we can use that heavenly comfort to touch others who need comfort.
Because of our testimony of the work of God in our lives, we become comfort + able. We are able to comfort those who are facing what we have faced. The little boy in the story said, “Well, I don’t run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands.”
God will absolutely let us cross paths with someone who needs comfort in an area which He has already brought healing to us.
Some of the things of which I have become comfort + able are:
- Sexual and physical abuse as a child.
- Miscarriage.
- Losing a child to death.
- Hurt by the Church.
There are other areas to which I can testify, but over the years, I have been able to wrap my arms around those who suffered abuse, miscarriage, death of a child, and Church hurt. I can proclaim, “God will bring You through this.”
There are parts of my story that I wish I could erase, but they exist. BUT GOD! God has redeemed me from the pain I have faced. He has made me comfort-able!
What have you faced that God has healed? He has made you comfort-able in that area. Speak up! Look for those the Spirit is trying to lead you to comfort. They need to hear your voice. Don’t keep it to yourself any longer. Others can receive the comfort with which God has comforted you. Your story of grace could be the lifeline they need. Let’s be comforted and comforting.