TEARDROPS TO DIAMONDS

God says to burden bearers: “When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!” (James 1:2, Phillips Translation). Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you...” (Matthew 5:11). Why does He say that? His answer: “Your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). Regardless of the reward, is this not asking too much? To extend a glad hand of welcome to trials and tribulations? To rejoice under revilings and persecution? Ordinarily people do the oppo-site. They resent adversities. They grumble about getting what they call a “raw deal”. Some try to cover their pain with bravado. They put on a grin-and-bear-it stance. They dismiss every adversity as “just one of those things”. We are perhaps safe in saying that most people do not respond to trials and tribulations as God directs. They show no interest or intent to derive benefits from painful experiences. For that they are much poorer. Their sorrows are wasted. God's intent is unrealized. Potentials of rich blessings are forfeited. Jesus' promise of a great “reward in heaven” is voided. Believers have a different attitude toward cross-bearing. They know that “[God] may bring us sorrow, but His love for us is sure and strong. He takes no pleasure in causing us grief or pain” (Lamentations 3:32-33 TEV). What God allows in the lives of His children - bitter tears and heartbreak experiences - isn't easy to understand. But what God does with what He allows always makes good sense. He turns it all for good! Paul attached great meaning and dignity to earthly trials, knowing what they would bring: “Whatever we may have to go through now is less than nothing compared with the magnificent future God has planned for us” (Romans 8:18, Phillips Translation). Tears are bearable when we know that God transforms them into diamonds. This He promised: “God will wipe away tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8), and “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy” (Psalm 126:5). Tears are liquid anguish. They speak a language God understands: “The Lord has heard the sound of my weeping” (Psalm 6:8). God will remember them: “Put Thou my tears in Thy bottle! Are they not in Thy book?” (Psalm 56:8). Believers consider not only what they are going through but what they are going to! Jesus said, “You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy” (John 16:20). Like a clock that keeps on ticking in the thunderstorm, faith remains constant. We know what the outcome is - eternal joy in heaven! [Teardrops to Diamonds, Carl W Berner, Augsburg Publishing House, 1983].