So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die. (Ecclesiastes 3:22)

To help you replace angry cynicism with fresh hope, I want to ask three questions. I’m learning in my later years in life that it is better to ask questions than to make a lot of dogmatic statements.

First: What is your unjust disadvantage? Think about it. I don’t mean little petty irritations that happened this past week. What is a major unjust disadvantage in your life? Try to name at least one example from your life.

Second: When do you plan to replace passive self-pity with active courage? What I’m asking is that you stop the “woe-is-me” whine and start thinking in terms of “Here’s my message, world!”

It’s time for some of you to hear this. Cynicism may be eating your lunch. You’ve been sinking in the quicksand of self-pity long enough. You’re almost drowning and you’re sucking other people under with you. If that’s the case, you need to take this challenge personally.

Third: Have you ever considered the impact your distinctive message would have on the world around you? My friend, if you could ever get above your disadvantage long enough to see how God could use you to impact the lives of others who are victims of their disadvantage, it would blow your mind.

When I talk about the struggles I had with insecurity as a child, I’m amazed how many insecure people I minister to. When I talk about going beyond the difficulty of being one of three children in a family who (at least in my estimation) did not have much loving encouragement to reach my full potential—that touches and encourages people who are going through the same experience.

You have been set on this earth as a unique jewel, as a gem that has certain sparkling possibilities when the light of the Son hits them. As you glisten and gleam, you encourage, enlighten, and strengthen those who are lost in the gloom of their personal swamp. Even though you may feel insignificant and not that gifted, God can use you!

What is your story? Everybody has a story. Sure, it’s got some injustice in it. You think it’s the thing that has caused you to become a failure? No, that is not true. Your attitude, perhaps, but not your struggle. The message of this chapter is simply this: Disadvantages need not disqualify. You can become significantly used by God if you refuse to let your disadvantages turn you into a cynic.

Taken from Living on the Ragged Edge by Charles R. Swindoll. Copyright © 1985, 2004 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. Used by permission of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. www.harpercollinschristian.com