Understanding

Something powerful happens when we hear these two words said with truth and sincerity: "I understand."

When we feel alone and in the dark depths of despair, we are certain that no one else can understand what we are going through.

The enemy wants us to believe we are different and isolated. No one can possibly know what we are going through.

So, we suffer in silence, shame, and solitude.

But then, someone breaks through the darkness with empathy and understanding, and something beautiful happens.

When those words "I understand" are uttered to the lost, afraid, and alone, light and hope break through the darkness as we feel heard, understood, and supported.

Perhaps we can offer that kind of understanding because of what we have experienced on our journeys.

We can find gratitude in the pain we have endured as it can bring understanding and light to someone in need.

Everything you have gone through can be used for a divine purpose.  

Think about it. Someone is going through what you have gone through, and only you can understand exactly what they are feeling.

You know what it feels like to be hurt, abandoned, rejected, or cast out. You've been there.

They need to know they are not alone, and you can give them the empathy and non-judgemental understanding they need.

You can listen, stand with them, and pull them up and out, just like God did for you.

You can tell them of God's love and how it changed everything for you.

That's the beauty God can show us on our journey from the ashes.

God can take all your experiences and use them to help someone else.

And then they can help someone else.

And then they can, too.

And on and on it goes.

How amazing is that!

I'm grateful my experiences can offer understanding to someone who feels like no one could ever understand.

I am grateful that God gives me chances to offer unconditional love without judgment to someone, just as others did for me.

I don't want to hoard my gratitude and make it just about my redemption; I want to help others and ensure no one else is left alone in that dark, scary pit.

To be seen, found, understood, and unconditionally loved are divine gifts we all deserve.

Let's go find someone who needs some love and understanding. Who knows, we might just change the world!

Thank You, God, for this beautiful life you have given us.

Colossians 3: 15-14

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.

And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

2 Corinthians 1: 3-6

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 all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. 

If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.