Everyone feels heartbreak at some point. And unless you're a sociopath or extreme neurotic you probably feel someone else's pain as well. And that's actually a good thing! In medicine, pain is often a sign that something is wrong. It gives both doctor and patient information about what is broken, and hopefully where to look for what needs to be fixed.

            In looking for your destiny, for your purpose, of course there are personality tests, career counselors, spiritual gifts inventories, and more. And they can sometimes be helpful. But there is one question that may get you closer to the answer than just about anything else.

And here it is: What breaks your heart? Whose pain do you feel? What has your life experience sensitized you to that you just can't get out of your soul?

When you recognize whose pain you feel, you likely know what problems you are created to help and whose brokenness you are uniquely able to help heal. The heartbreak YOU have experienced is likely to be the very thing that God can use to bring blessing to others.

If you know the pain of addiction and feel the heartbreak of those struggling to break free, you know the kind of people you can speak to. If the children dying from disease because of the lack of clean water in certain countries keeps you awake, you know the kind of charity and mission to get involved with. If battered women, human trafficking victims, young adults who don't know how to read, homeless families, or those struggling with depression get under your skin, you know who God wants you to help.

I personally know many people who illustrate how heartbreak can turn into healing. I know two women who experienced serious mental illness who now work with a state-wide organization developing programs to help others with mental illness. I know an ex-convict now encouraging "at risk" youth through numerous sports programs. I know a man who has lost part of his foot to diabetes who now passionately speaks to others about keeping their disease under control. I know a young woman who lived homeless and addicted for some years who now coaches others out of similar situations.

Need a Biblical example? How about Paul - so wrapped up in religious legalism that he missed recognizing the Messiah, and violently fought against Christians and the Church for years. Once he met Jesus he became the greatest champion for freedom in Christ, and worked to spread the very message he had worked so hard to stop. (Gal. 1:13-16)

            Another one? How about Esther, the orphan girl living in a foreign country, certainly feeling the pain of her people. She then became the very one God used to save her people from extinction.

What Breaks Your Heart?

           God has put you here for a reason. Do you know what that is? Whose pain do you feel? What problem breaks your heart? Whose struggle do you understand?

There's nothing more fulfilling and joyful than seeing what God has built into you make a difference for someone else. Every experience you've been through, everything you've learned, every mountain you've overcome, every valley you've come through, and everyone else's pain that you feel is part of what God then uses. He created you - not only when you were born, but He has continued to create you throughout your life. For a reason!

So, think about it. What breaks your heart?

            Now, what are you going to do about it?

Until we speak again, in Christ's love and freedom,  

 
Dr. Carol Tanksley