We want to change the world and do something big.
We want to know our lives, pain and tears on this earth mattered.
Searching for our purpose, we read books, say thousands of prayers, and beg God to answer the question: “What in the world are we here for?”
We get glimpses, but it still looks hazy. We see other people doing great things and wonder if they have some secret hotline to heaven we know nothing about.
I read this scripture a few weeks ago and I’m still digging for all the treasures found here.
Psalms 126:5-6
They who sow in tears shall reap with joyful singing. He goes back and forth weeping, carrying his bag of seed {for planting}, will indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing sheaves with him.
Oh friend, we have made this way more difficult than it needed to be. And way bigger in our minds than it needed to be.
Our culture tells us that our purpose has to be this “big thing” we must strive for, when God is saying, “It’s right in front of you, look at those around you who are in need.”
What I’ve discovered about people who have done great things, is it always started with small things done with great love. (Mother Teresa).
There is a quote that says, “Show me a man’s wounds and I’ll show you his purpose.”
Think of your deepest pain, the things in your life which have hurt you and cut you so deeply that they just about did you in.
Now, ask yourself these questions:
- Who is out there battling with the same issues I have struggled with?
- Am I willing to share my experience and healing journey with others to bring them hope?
- Would I be willing to bring a cup of coffee or a hug to someone in desperate need of encouragement?
Recently, my cousin exemplified this beautifully. She lost her brother and our dear cousin to suicide thirteen years ago. We as a family have grieved this loss horribly, especially his parents and siblings.
So, this is what she did with her pain: she sowed her tears, took them with her and decided to do a walk to bring suicide awareness and prevention. And when the day came, we as a family donated, went with her and walked with other hurting families.
Those that sow in tears, shall reap with joyful singing.
We can either sit with our pain and do nothing or we can sow our tears, walking forward, letting God use them for His purposes.
And the harvest that comes?
God shows up, He brings joy in the middle of the pain and gives us a purpose we never imagined could come from it.
What is your deepest pain? And how does it collide with your purpose?
Take your tears with you and go.
And sit back and watch in amazement at what God can do my friend.
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This is beautiful. I, too, have learned the value in trying to help others who might be on the same road of suffering that I am on. It’s not easy, but with God, all things are possible!
Thanks Anita for coming by. I just went and checked out your site, wow how wonderful what you do! I lost my father to cancer last March and man how I wish I could have had utilized your site for information. Care giving is truly one of the hardest jobs ever and I walked into it clueless. Blessings sister in your journey in helping others during such a stressful time. xo
Beautiful and challenging thoughts Holly. I have just recently begun to allow God to unmask the shame of my past and to use my tears for His glory. My tears became so much more worthwhile when I began to open my eyes to the mission field they cry out onto. #IntentionalTuesday 🙂
Sarah,
Love that Sarah, “unmask the shame of my past and use my tears for His glory” beautiful. “our tears became so much more worthwhile when I began to open my eyes to the mission field they cry out onto.” wow. Powerful Sarah, your words touched me today and inspired me. Thank you.
Holly,
Wow this post has so resonated with me! I would never have imagined that the stroke I survived would lead me here but it is the best thing ever! My relationship with Christ has grown leaps and bounds. It is my desire to please Him and help encourage believers. I want to share the transforming power and love of god! I love that passage in Psalms. What a note of encouragement from Almighty God! I am so glad I found your site via Intentional Tuesday. May God richly bless you and yours in all your endeavors!
Horace,
I am so humbled by your words and that you came by. Brother, God is doing miracles in your life! I just went to your site and I am in tears. wow, you inspire me Horace. Truly. You are going to touch so many lives for His Kingdom! Thank you for coming by and sending me encouragement. I can’t wait to read your blogs! Blessings to you!
Holly, what a beautiful way for your cousin to use her sorrows to support others and build them up. Can you even imagine if we all took our deepest, darkest, ugliest bits with all their tears and used them to lift others? Amazing. I love the encouragement His Word always brings at just the right time.
Blessings,
Deborah,
Yes, Deborah Amen. Lord help us to use our tears and broken places to lift others! Thanks Deborah for coming by.
So beautifully spoken. I will get the strength and happiness back. I take care for my Father now. I have two great children and two beautiful grandkids. I pray alot and God has lifted me up in very difficult time. It helps me talking to so many Fabulous and caring people. I would like to share the Alzheimer’s struggles with families to help them understand and hopefully be heard from our Government and not be in noticed. Thank you.
Kim- Being a care taker is such a beautiful, hard place. I did the same for my father. Prayers for you my friend. God will be ever so faithful and present during this time and He will continue to lift you up. Blessings my friend, thank you for coming by. xoxo