Each one of our pain and suffering is a gift, one from which we can learn and use to help others. Most importantly, we are given the gift of choice, on how to use our circumstances positively, our gifts, graciously.
God speaks to us and through us, to reach us in many, many ways. We may receive the message from a TV show; from "reminders" which creep into our daily life, or directly, through thought. We will hear and recognize it if we listen, and once heard, it is up to us to act upon what He is telling us.
1 Kings 19:12
After the earthquake there was a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.