guest post by Ann Weaver
When Hannah Grace asked me to write this post, she told me the theme for July would be “The Gift of a Broken Heart.” Immediately, I thought of a thousand things to write about: broken hearts after romantic relationships, praising God in the midst of pain, and growing in faith through sorrow. But the most persistent idea I felt was the age-old question of why.
Why does God allow broken hearts? Why does He permit suffering? Why does one individual go through many trials while others seem to have an easy life? These questions and more pummel us when we’re going through difficult times. Today, I want to remind you of five reasons why the Lord allows us to experience sorrow.
1: It strengthens our relationship with God.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 says, “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” Romans 8:31 reminds us, “…If God is for us, who is against us?” A few verses before, in verse 28, we’re told that “…God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
These verses assure us that God is faithful, that He is for us, and that all will work together for God’s good purposes—even if we are never able to see it here on earth. Knowing this, we can lean on Jesus, trusting Him and praying constantly for strength, comfort, and peace.
2: It glorifies the Lord.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Our lights often shine the brightest when we’re suffering, because that’s when others see how we respond to trials.
When we consider our suffering as something that strengthens us (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4), it strengthens our witness. It shows the world we are not like them and makes them notice how we’re different from everyone else. And that turns the focus to God.
3: It gives us opportunities to minister to each other.
Scripture calls us to serve one another. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” But if there’s no one to minister to, how can we obey that command?
When others are physically ill or spiritually struggling, we can care for them. And when we have a broken heart or are hurting in some other way, it allows others the opportunity to pray and care for us. It’s a humbling experience and a wonderful gift God has given to us within the fellowship of believers.
4: It gives us empathy for others.
Job 5:7 reminds us that “…man is born unto trouble…” Ecclesiastes 1:9c tells us “…there is nothing new under the sun.” From these verses, we can see it’s inevitable that others will go through the same difficulties we are going through now.
Our broken hearts, once healed, prepare us to encourage others in the future. Many people who have gone through difficult times are able to speak to others going through the same trial now. When we go through specific hardships, it will enable us to truly understand others’ similar sorrows or challenges.
5: It reminds us that this is not our home.
Finally, our broken hearts and challenging trials remind us of the truth found in Hebrews 13:14: “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” It turns our focus from this world to heaven, where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more…” (Revelations 21:4a)
Broken hearts hurt. Trials are challenging. Suffering is difficult. But that’s okay. When we experience hardship, it can only make us stronger when we lean on Christ. During these trials, we must remember 1 Peter 1:6b-7:
“…you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold, which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”
Thank you again to Hannah Grace for inviting me to write this post for her!
Ann Weaver has been an avid reader since she was three and an eager writer since she was five. In 2023, she founded the blog Where Brook and River Meet to biblically encourage young women, and she began officially studying fiction writing a year later. Since then, she has been published in the anthology Tell Your Heart to Beat Again. In autumn 2025, she will soft launch a writing course for hobby writers: Beyond the Basics: The Fundamentals of Fiction Writing.
Ann has lived all her life in the southeastern U.S., where she can be found brainstorming her next story or immersed in a new book. When she’s not reading or writing, you might find her baking, emailing her friends, or spending time with her niece.
Want to hear more from Ann? Here’s her personal email list link!
Thank you for this, Ann! I especially appreciated point #3, I hadn’t thought of it that way before. Thanks for a fresh perspective on a difficult topic. ☺️
I’m so grateful this article blessed you! <3
What a beautiful piece. Point #5 was the one that spoke to me most deeply. It is such a temptation to look to this world for comfort and satisfaction, and it is so true that oftentimes God needs to put us through pain and hardship in order to turn our hearts back to him, who is the ultimate source of all things good. Thank you so much, Ann!
Thank you for your kind comment! <3 I'm so glad this article blessed you!
Thank you again to Hannah Grace for the opportunity to write this guest post! It was an honor and I hope it will bless many. <3
You’re most welcome, Ann! Happy to have you. I hope so too.