Ezekiel discovered that empathy was a primary qualification for ministering to hurting people. It still is.

The story is told of a farmer who had some puppies for sale. He made a sign advertising them.

One day he felt a tug on his overalls and saw a little boy with a big grin and something in his hand.“Mister, I want one of your puppies.”
The farmer replied, “Those puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal.”

The boy thought for a moment then said, “I’ve got 39 cents, is that enough to take a look?”

“Sure,” said the farmer and called out, “Dolly, here Dolly.” Down the ramp ran Dolly followed by her four pups. The boy’s eyes lit up. Then out from the doghouse peeped another puppy, this one noticeably smaller. Down the ramp it slid and began hobbling to catch up with the others – it was the runt of the litter.

The little boy pressed his face to the fence and said, “I want that one.”

The farmer said, “Son, you don’t want that puppy, he’ll never be able to run and play with you the way you’d like.”

Suddenly the boy reached down and pulled up his trouser leg revealing a steel brace running down both sides, attached to a specially made shoe. Looking at the farmer he said, “You see, Sir, I don’t run so well myself, and he’ll need someone who understands.”

Every limitation you’ve overcome, every fear you’ve conquered, has equipped you to help lift somebody else – otherwise they’re wasted experiences!