Thursday Writing...4/18/19..."Lessons in Valley Experiences"

Good Morning,

The theme for this writing is the human experience of spending times that are challenging in the valley. Then when they get the lesson learned they find themselves on a mountain top of easy and joyful times. These down and up experiences happen over and over again throughout a person's life as they learn the lessons they are being taught. The author's wrote, "Do not despise the experience of the valley on your Christian journey because faithfulness in that valley is the glory on mountaintop."

Have a day of learning or celebrating at whatever level you are found at the moment.

Brother Thomas & 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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"HILLS AND VALLEYS"
Sung by 
Tauren Wells

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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

Sandy Billingham, Karen Bennett, 

 Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward,  

Bre Miller,  Lynda Kinnard, Amie Spruiell, 

Debbie Rodriguez, Jan Andersen

and Corinne Mustafa

Occasional Contributors:

Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,

 Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,

  Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp