Wednesday Writing...3/13/19..."Embrace Lessons in Valley Experiences"

Good Morning, 

Today's Lesson concerns the path that we all must walk  one time or another. It is our journey through fear, loss, sickness,sorrow, and  challenges  that we experience as we plummet down into a valley. It  is true that the issue can be something insurmountable. The thing we are experiencing will never work out as we had wished. However there is hope in the valleys when we can learn something God is teaching us. Sometimes we ask why God is not listening or helping us. However that is not true because He is right beside us working on His plan for us. With 20/20 hindsight we see how God has been working for us. In the Bible Study I have been taking called STEADFAST LOVE , the author Lauren Chandler quoted Dr. Timothy Keller, "God will only give you what you would have asked for if you knew everything He knows," Here is a quote from this writing, "Do not despise the experience of the valley on your Christian journey because faithfulness in that valley is the glory on mountaintop."

Blessings 

Brother Thomas and Jody Ward
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Today's Devotional
 

 "Embrace Lessons in Valley Experiences"   

Written by 

Brother Thomas Ukwute 

            & Jody Ward

Even when I walk through the deepest, darkest canyon, I will not fear evil because I know You are close beside me. And when my path takes me through the valley without sun, shadowed by death itself, I will not be afraid, knowing You are with me and walk with me.

Your Shepherd’s rod is there to protect me and Your staff will guide me. They comfort and console me, making me feel secure.

Psalm 23.4

In the journey of life, there are mountaintop experiences where things go so easy and the enjoyment of life is at its best. There are also valley experiences where it feels like you are alone in the world, like there is no help around. Friends, family and loved ones seem to stand far away watching you as you travel the dark, lonely road of pain, rejection, opposition and misrepresentation.

But this is a valuable time. The good thing about the valley is that growth and maturity take place there. It is in the valley that we learn obedience, commitment, consecration and loyalty. In the darkest valley is where we learn dependence on the infallible word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In the sunless valley, we appreciate the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Our walk through the valley is where we develop rock solid faith that can withstand any challenge on the mountaintop.

The key to surviving the pain of the valley experience is in the promise of our King. He never fails. No situation is too big that His power cannot solve. No night is so dark that His light cannot shine through.

…for He has said, 

“I will never, under any circumstances, desert you 

or give you up or leave you without support. 

Nor will I in any degree leave you helpless, 

nor will I forsake you or let you down or relax 

my hold on you. Assuredly not!

Hebrews 13.5 Amplified Bible

Remember that the warriors of the cross are made in the valley before they are displayed on the mountaintop.

Do not despise the experience of the valley on your Christian journey because faithfulness in that valley is the glory on mountaintop.

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Lessons are learned when we are down in the valley...

a place where stress and distress shows us another way...better way. 

When we are in the middle of a valley experience 

God comes to us to show love and bless our journey

Through this show of love we emerge with new understandings.

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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers 

  and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.

Blog Writers:

Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,   

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  Karen Bennett, 

Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and  Corinne Mustafa
Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola,  Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,
 Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,  

Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp,