Let your Pain Relieve the Pain of Others

“Twas the night AFTER CHRISTmas and in all the world, people were rejoicing for the child that was unfurled. He had nothing to wear but swaddling cloths, but the three Wisemen brought gifts that they had chose. The child grew up to help the sick, saddened, and lost. He knew that he had to help them not matter the cost. Be happy that Jesus went through all of His strife. He did it so we all could have eternal life.”

I wrote this poem earlier in the day, and posted in on Facebook. I received some positive remarks. It seems like that once CHRISTmas is over we move in and forget the true victory that happened on CHRISTmas Day.

Jesus came into this world without much. He had to sleep in a manger, which by definition is a place for animals to eat. He had nothing on but swaddling clothes, but He didn’t seem to mind. He grew up to be one of the most important men in the history of the world. He changed the way people worship, believe, and started one of the largest groups of followers known to man. He came in to the world without much, but left The King of Kings. .

This man who was nothing more than a carpenter in His day, had a tremendous impact on the Jewish nation. It was two extremes. Those who loved Him and those who wanted Him crucified. Those who wanted Him crucified won, because they were so powerful. But we thankful today the prophecy followed through.

You and I have the wonderful privilege of having both the Old Testament, and the New Testament. We can easily see the prophecy fulfilled that was stated in the Old Testament, and followed through in the New Testament.

God created the heavens and the earth. He created the animals, along with Adam and Eve. His most wonderful creation was to send His only Son, Jesus, to become flesh, and die for our sins in one horrible night on the cross.

 This is the ultimate CHRISTmas present for all mankind; one gift that means so much. It means eternal life for all those who believe in Him.

 I once was lost, but now I see. I was at the end of my rope and it was unraveling. I was sitting in my Ford explorer contemplating suicide. I was through with this wretched world. The year was 2001. Yes, that is the year of 9-11. It is also the year I had failed in my business, and my father died. That would put many people over the edge, and it almost did me.

 I cried out to God, “I can’t take anymore of this!” At that very moment the air seemed suddenly fresher inside the rig and I felt calmness come over me. It was as if God was saying, “It’s about time you came back to me. Now let me carry you the rest of the way.”

 I was a Christian before that moment, but I didn’t have enough love in my heart for God. He showed me that He was always there, and was waiting patiently for me to come back to Him.

 That is what He can do for you too. The year 2009 is almost over. Make this coming year your year to turn back to God if you haven’t already done so. Make 2010 the year of the Lord in your life.

 Many wonderful things can happen if you turn your life over to God, and let Him guide you.  

I know you have had lots of trials and road blocks. You may have lost your job, a loved one, your pension, your home, or even your sanity. But God is always there.

 It is hard to know why God allows certain things to happen in our lives. I have had six major surgeries; all since my close encounter with God in 2001. My first thoughts were, “Why God….I rededicated my life to you on that day back in 2001. Why are you allowing me to suffer so much?”

 I now thank God every day for all that suffering. I truly do. I have been able to use all of the major surgeries as witnessing tools to help others. I remained strong towards the Lord through all of the ordeals, and people continually asked me why. Boom! That opened the door for me to tell people my faith in God to see me through all the muck and mire I have been through.

 I am sure you can think of some pretty hard trials you have been through too: Illnesses, deaths of loved ones, financial hardships, rejections, or depression.

USE THEM! Use these tough times to help others who are going through the same things. Let God use you as a vessel to help heal other people’s wounds. I can’t tell you how much joy that has brought me. Through my own pain, I have helped others through theirs.

 There are only five days left in 2009. Think over the year. Write down the good things that happened in cement, and write the bad things down in the sand. Let the winds of time erase the bad things. Let the good thoughts in cement be a constant reminder of all the joy you have had in your life.

My wish for you for the closing of 2009 is that the year 2010 will be a God filled productive year that gives you peace and happiness. Strive to live a life that others can look at and say, “I want to be like that person!”

 Happy New Year!