Getting Through the Valleys, Pt. 5

Valley experiences are the most profitable times of learning. Why is this? Because of what happens in the valley. We do not learn much on the mountains, but we certainly do in the valleys.

Getting Through the Valleys, Pt. 5

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever."

(Psalm 23:6)

I like the song by Tauren Wells entitled "Hills and Valleys". Coach Tony Bennett played the song for his entire University of Virginia basketball team to encourage them. The message is so strong:

On the mountains, I will bow my life
To the One who set me there
In the valley, I will lift my eyes to the One who sees me there
When I'm standing on the mountain, I didn't get there on my own
When I'm walking through the valley I know I am not alone
You're God of the hills and valleys
Hills and valleys
God of the hills and valleys
And I am not alone.

This week, we have been studying valleys. We have gleaned much insight from the message Dr. Charles Stanley preached on this subject. He reminded his congregation that every valley has an answer in the Word of God. He preached against the prosperity gospel, which is no Gospel at all. Look at Job, Paul, the prophets, and Jesus! Paul was not in sin while in jail, or nearly stoned to death; rather, Paul was walking through valleys. But thank God for Paul's valley, because we are so blessed by His writings and their significant part in the Word of God.

Valley experiences are the most profitable times of learning. Why is this? Because of what happens in the valley. We do not learn much on the mountains, but we certainly do in the valleys. Stanley shared the story of when his mom was dying. He cried out to God and asked why this was happening to his mom. Why did she fall down the steps while getting ready to go to church? Why did she have a stroke? Stanley called it the purifying work of pain. He said it was what God wanted to show him. He cried. I had never seen him cry in a sermon. God always has a purpose. If we will acknowledge He has a purpose, our journey is not a waste. Trials and valleys are purifying and sanctifying agents used by the loving hands of our heavenly Father.

Stanley closed his message with this strong advice on how to respond to the valleys:

Surrender your life to God.
Believe that God will use this valley for something good, no matter how painful.
Rest in God's wisdom, love and power.
Thank God for the valley and for bringing you through it.

If we can pray for you here at DFEA, please send your prayer requests to pray@dfea.com. May the Lord bless and keep you.