Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen

1 Peter 5:6-11

God will wipe away our tears, in His time. While we wait for that comfort, we can be assured that God will not allow us to be tested beyond our endurance. He will give us the ability to bear the trial. We will not suffer one moment more that God desires, nor will we suffer more intensely than He desires. God will not allow those most vulnerable to life's difficulties to be overtaken by them.

There may be deep water through which you have to wade, and there may be fires through which the ore of your character must pass. But in the midst of them God promises to be your partner, and companion. He can settle you.

And then when He has finished His work in you,

He will take you home to heaven and

wipe away all your tears.

Tears are often the telescope by which

we see into heaven.

Our Daily Bread - February 16, 2005