"Cancer"

 Knowing and loving someone that is dealing with cancer, is also hard on those that have a big impact on their lives. I feel,one of the most rewarding reasons that suffering has value is experienced by those who can say with conviction, "I know how you feel. I've been in your shoes." Suffering prepares us to minister comfort to others who suffer.

Feeling isolated is one of the hardest parts of suffering. It can feel like you're all alone in your pain, and that makes it so much worse. The comfort of those who have known that same pain is inexpressible. It feels like a warm blanket being draped around your soul. But in order for someone to say those powerful words,"I know just how you feel because I've been there", that person had to walk through the same difficult valley first.

One of the most incredibly comforting things we can ever experience, is someone else's tears for us. One of the most powerful words of comfort I received when we were grieving my loss was from a friend who said, "Your pain may not be about just you. It may well be about other people, preparing you to minister comfort and hope to someone in your future who will need what you can give them because of what you're going through right now. And if you are faithful to cling to God now, I promise He will use you greatly to comfort others later." That perspective was like a sweet balm to my soul, because it showed me that my suffering was not pointless.