Have you noticed that it is in the times of adversity that we can reach new heights of spiritual maturity and closeness to God? It is in the days of affliction that we can experience a new growth of faith. It is in the winds of anxiety that our faith in Christ can be enhanced.
Just as learning a new language expands a person’s ability to understand and communicate with more people, so going through affliction opens up a vast new means of communication and hence a new means of being a blessing to others.
It is when we have passed “through the valley of Baca” (weeping) that we can truly “weep with them that weep.” Who best understands the loss of a wife/husband than a trusted friend who has gone through the “valley of weeping”? Who can best understand spurned love than one whose love has been rejected? Who better can feel the pain of the parents who have lost a child than one who has experienced the deep grief of the loss of a newborn baby?
Those who have gone through a deep trial have learned the language of compassion. It is those who have placed their faith in God who can – in turn – give grace to others. “Blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee who passing through the valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also filleth the pools” (Psalm 84:5-6). God is able to make our valley of weeping a well-watered pool.
Not that we seek out troubles. Our journey in life brings its own trials, but when we respond in submission to him, God can turn our tears into a fountain and help us in the future to be a blessing to others. Some of the greatest hymns were born out of tragedy.