According to Microsoft Bing, a valley is a low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it: I find it intriguing that it is between a mountain and likely a river or stream is within it. Here’s the thing, we do not enjoy valley experiences. In fact, we do not even want a mountain experience. Truth be told, we like it better when life is pleasant and free of trouble. Likewise, we would rather stay on the mountaintop experience. Well, my friend, let me know how that goes.
We all go through challenging seasons that we prefer not to endure. Still, God uses anything meant to harm us to bring about His greater good. (Romans 8:28, AMP). Despite how painful it is, God is mightier than anything we go through. Likewise, you could be experiencing your valley experience at this moment. Maybe, there is undo stress at the job, but you cannot quit because your family depends on your income. It could be your child got involved with the wrong crowd. Or the cost of living has left you in a mountain of debt. Whatever your situation is, you do not see a way out of no way.
And you end up in the valley when you do not see what God is doing. You do not feel His hand of mercy and grace moving in your favor. The more you try to figure out how it comes to this, the more pain you feel. Your prayer is to wake up in the morning and discover this is all a nightmare. Still, the morning comes, and you realize you are living the worst valley experience ever.
Beloved, when you are in the valley, surrounded by streams or rivers, if there is one, it is an opportunity to hear the still small voice of God. (1 Kings 19:12, ESV). You do not understand His plan because it does not make sense. Still, it could be His only way to get your attention. Sometimes, we only need to have some one-on-one time with our Father. There, in His presence, we can lie down in green pastures. Like sheep finding peace in green meadows and still streams, you can have God's abundant peace and tranquility.
My Friend, though this is a rough time, there is purpose in the pain. God is developing you though it is painful. He is equipping you and strengthening you to go further than you ever have gone. The Almighty sees the end you do not. Yet, He promises never to leave nor forsake you. Your pain brought you to the valley, but The Lord will get you through your valley experience. Without such a time, you would never bear the fruit you are about to gain. Fruit that will sustain you when all odds are against you. Fruit that will multiply because your faith was stretched beyond what you thought you could bear. God will turn your valley experience into a season of abundance before you get to the mountaintop experience.
I pray the song Good Plans by Red Rock Worship stirs your heart and reminds you that when you do not see what God is doing, He still has good plans for you.
TIME FOR REFLECTION: It is difficult to see God’s plan during a valley experience. What has this devotional taught you to do during the valley experience? Encourage someone by leaving your comment, hit that heart, and share your thoughts.
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