"God never allows pain without a purpose in the lives of His children. He never allows Satan, nor circumstances, nor any ill-intending person to afflict us unless He uses that affliction for our good. God never wastes pain. He always causes it to work together for our ultimate good, the good of conforming us more to the likeness of His Son." -- Jerry Bridges
I recently had a medical scare with a loved one that completely threw me off my game. It was totally unexpected and I allowed fear to consume every part of my being. I created every conceivable negative scenario of the outcome including my loved one dying. Here I am a 'spiritual mentor' talking to people about how to enlighten their life, combat fear, and think positively and I failed to take my own advice. I soon had to acknowledge it was another lesson God sent me in relationship to my ego and humility; I got too 'uppity' and took my gifts for granted.
God in His infinite wisdom still sent people to me seeking assistance. Lord knows I didn't want to be bothered with anyone's problems when I felt overwhelmed by my own. I did talk to them and it actually soothed and uplifted my spirit. It brought me back to the perspective that even when you have problems, there is always someone with bigger problems than you.
I'm only human and prone to failures, but I also have to embrace the messages sent to me and learn from them. It also humbled me and helped me to recognize that I have to take the advice I give to others and continually work with the tools in my spiritual tool box. God steered me back to my appointed path and I'm grateful.