What If the Blessing Comes Through Tears?

What if today I could help you see God’s glory in the very place you’ve cried the most?

What if those tears you’ve cried weren’t wasted, but were watering the soil of your future?

I can tell you that our growth, more often than not, comes through our grief than our glory.

As Christians, we often expect blessings to be our answered prayers, open doors, and smooth sailing. While God does bless us in those ways, He’s the God of so much more. 

Sometimes our growth happens at our lowest point, in the valley, when we see no way out. In our pain and tears God is with us, growing and teaching us to trust Him deeply during those times of sadness and discouragement. 

 “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.”

– Psalm 126:5 (NIV)

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

– Psalm 23:4 (NLT)

Pain often feels like punishment, but in God’s hands, it becomes preparation. It softens our hearts, stretches our faith, and draws us closer to Him.

In Genesis, chapters 37-50, we learn about Joseph and his brothers.

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison. Yet God was with him in every low place. What looked like failure was actually the foundation of his purpose. Later, he told his brothers:

 “...you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…” 

– Genesis 50:20

Ruth lost her husband and left everything familiar behind (see Ruth chapter 1)

In a foreign land with an uncertain future, her loyalty and faith led her into the lineage of Jesus (see Ruth 4:13-22). Her pain positioned her for divine purpose.

In 1 Samuel, chapter 16, we see that David was anointed King of Israel, but spent years running and hiding from Saul. That season of isolation wasn’t wasted; it was where God shaped David’s character and prepared him to shepherd a nation. (see 1 Samuel 21-23)

Even Jesus, in His moment of greatest agony, sweating blood in Gethsemane and suffering on the cross, was on the path to the greatest redemption in history. He counted on His friends, yet they scattered. He asked them to pray, yet they slept. Still, He endured it all for us!

So, what about you?

Maybe your life doesn’t look the way you imagined. Maybe your story feels messy, marked by unexpected pain or silent seasons.

Be encouraged, God is still writing your story. He is not finished with you.

“I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”  – Philippians 1:6 (NLT)

Know that your chapter of tears is not the end of any part of your story. Your tears could be the beginning of a testimony, preparing you to bring healing and encouragement to others.

Personal Reflection:

** What is one hard place where you’ve seen God’s faithfulness carry you?

** Will you believe that your tears today might be someone else’s hope tomorrow?

 You are not forgotten. You are being formed. God’s hand is still on your life.

He never wastes a single tear. You are seen and you are loved. 

We can be thankful that we have a Good Shepherd leading us and watching over us!

(see Psalm 23)

Be blessed!

Song: Flowers

Author: Priscilla Campbell

Editor:  Christine Platt