Life is a road over bumpy terrain, sometimes high, sometimes low. No one on the mountaintop doubts God's love, even though at that same moment countless others are down in the valley. It's when the beaming mountaineer tumbles down that her perception changes. Her faith is tested. She asks, Why me, God? Or, if not that, at least, How long?
Valleys are all too real. Some are ridiculously deep and wide—Grand Canyon-ish—and the only way out is to trudge across. Take grief, for example. Valley of valleys. Grieving is unpleasant, but compulsory. Circumventing this necessary human process only causes other problems.
Dealing with loss is the biggie but there are countless other pitfalls into which, at one time or another, we all shall fall: unemployment, relationship woes, annoying illnesses, what have you. Stuck in the mire, we pray. Sometimes God miraculously delivers, but more often he settles into the murk with us, providing companionship, navigational aids, and morale boosters. Imagine a Park Ranger equipped with a map and compass, carrying a huge pack full of snacks, a solar-powered radio and a box of Bandaids. He may even have a tent, and a couple of those really comfy down-filled sleeping bags. He's not afraid of spiders. Or snakes. A good Scout, he will protect you as he leads the way.
It's while we're in the valleys of life, I believe, that we can shine most brightly for the Lord. People are watching: either they're down in there with us, or are observing with curiosity from perches higher up. If I pout and wither and moan, they see this and wonder, Why does she bother with God? Look at her, she's no better off than the rest of us. On the other hand, if I believe what I read in my bible every day—that God uses all things together for my good, that he gives me more than enough grace for every good work, and that he uses hardship to hone me into the image of Jesus—then I can smile, even in the midst of the pit. Rather than pathetically dragging myself across the sun-scorched earth, I can happily jaunt along on a rented donkey, chatting away with my Guide, enjoying the spectacular view.
We received the same promises as those people in the wilderness, but the promises didn't do them a bit of good because they didn't receive the promises with faith. If we believe, we'll experience that state of resting. But not if we don't have faith. ~ Heb 4:2, The Message
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Once again a good read. I like many others have spent time in the valley. (I actually live in one). We learn to both trust and hear God while we are there.
ReplyDeleteIn wilderness and valley times we need to have patience and faith in God. He is building and developing out character.
He doesn't take out out of the valleys, but rather goes through them with us.
Bless You
Moray
yes Faith is the most important thing in the world. If we want to reach New York from California by road, it will be very difficult to reach if we use a telescope and see new-yorks sky-line.. Most probably we will fall into a ditch in a minute. But if we just can see the next 100 metres from where we are standing, we can go on and on and after a while reach New York. Faith is that Vision. The Vision through which we can see those 100 metres in front of us. Without faith we will be going no where. And Faith on God is the only way to reach our destinations.... because God is the perfect guide..
ReplyDeletebless you :)
ReplyDeleteheya Cathy! I found this from notes on Handbook of Wisdom by Ken Boa, "The tragic error of measuring the compassion of God by circumstance." Still trying to get hold of that thought...
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts again. It's such a comfort to know we're not journeying in the Shadowlands alone. It's not the trials that you are in but the outcome it will produce, indeed. Love ya!
Moray, Navjot, Vikki: Thank you!! Ever grateful for your faithful friendship and support. Vikki, love the Kon Boa quote. You should publish a reading list!! Your references always intrigue me. love, ~ c
ReplyDeleteFrom a good God who only wants the best for us comes both good times and bad. I've heard it said that you cannot have a rainbow without the rain. Yes, God is good all the time, this includes time when I disagree with His will and His ways. It's all a matter of having an 'attitude of gratitude.' Blessings!
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