I Can Relate

Sometimes it’s hard to understand what others are going through—because we can’t truly relate. However, when we’ve had a similar experience—even if it wasn’t “the same” across the board—we can identify with others in a way that we otherwise would not be able to.

This is one of the ways in which God uses our sorrows for good—those things which the devil intended for evil become tools of hope, healing, comfort—even joy—in the hands of our God. Realizing this truth can help us to look back and be thankful for the trials—perhaps not always in the midst of them, but sometimes even that is possible.

I can relate to:

• those who are raising teenagers

• those who’ve had strong-willed or otherwise behaviorally challenging children

•  those whose spouses have ADHD

• those who grew up poor and/or lived in less-than-desirable living situations

• only children

• adults who’ve had to see to the needs of health-declining parents

• people who’ve lost a parent to Alzheimer’s

• people who’ve lost a mom, a dad, or both

•  new mother-in-laws

•  kids who feel unpopular or “picked on” in school

• mothers who’ve had miscarriages

•  those who have a hard time “getting” math

• people who’ve struggled with their weight (and the related food choices) for years

•  feeling endlessly disorganized

• people who suffer from depression or anxiety

• any who’ve had a loved one with bi-polar disorder

• parents who feel nervous to send their “kid” on a missions trip out of the country

•  kids with chronic sicknesses, especially tonsil-related

•  kids who’ve lost pets

•  those who’ve always felt “different” or as though they don’t quite “fit” anywhere

• people who’ve carried deep regrets about how they treated others

And many more, I’m sure. Each of us has a history, a set of actualities or experiences that make up our repertoire of life. Though the feelings associated with some of those experiences may not be pleasant, the way in which God can repurpose them can be incredible. And through their relate-ability, He can also bring healing to the person relating.

Don’t underestimate the value of some of your less-than-stellar moments, painful memories, struggles, and hardships. God may, in fact, want to use something from your redeemed history in the life of someone who desperately needs to know someone can relate.