'Lenses!
Lenses!
Tears are lenses through which our dim eyes see more deeply into Heaven, and look more fully upon God's face, than in any other way. Sorrows cleanse our hearts of earthliness, and fertilize our lives. The days of pain, really do far more for us than the days of rejoicing. We grow best when clouds hang over us, because clouds bear rain, and rain refreshes.
Then God's comfort is such a rich experience that it is well worth while to endure trial, just to enjoy the sweet and precious comfort which God gives in it.
But, to receive from our sorrows their possibilities of blessing — we must accept the affliction as a messenger from God, and pray for true comfort — not the mere drying of our tears — but grace to profit by our affliction, and to get from it a harvest of righteousness and peace.
" God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:10-11