Peace in the Valley

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, This morning as I was praying, I realized something of great importance and felt I should share it. There are times when we go through many hardships and trying times. Our lives seem to be falling apart all around us and we don't know what to do. Those thoughts and feelings should drive us to our knees seeking God's wisdom and Word. He is the giver of life and there is nothing that comes to us that He has not sifted through His loving hands (1 Cor. 10:13). He knows how much we can take and will always give us a way out. What became clear to me today is the ability to grow in our faith only happens when we are in our valley experiences. Isn't that amazing?? Stop and think about mountains and valleys for a moment. We all enjoy the mountaintop experiences where everything is great and the view is awesome, but when you are standing up there and really look around, what do you see? Shades of gray and brown. Rock, maybe some snow. But look down into the valley. The river sparkling and dancing in the center of a lush, green garden of beauty. The rolling land covered in vegetation. Flowers and shrubery bursting forth in growth and the promise of new fruit. The valley is where we grow too. Psalm 23 describes the valley experience. We can lean on the Lord during all of our times. Good and bad. Call out on Him today. Do not wait until you feel there is nowhere to turn. The Lord is waiting to hear and answer your prayer.