There are mountains and there are valleys.There are high times and there are low times.
God is faithful.
On the mountain, you have a great perspective. You can see everything clearly.
In the valley, your perspective is limited. The mountains block out the sun and you can't see what's around the bend.
God is sovereign.
I'm in the valley right now.
It's wonderful to write and encourage while on the mountain. When I'm in the valley, I don't feel like encouraging anyone. Probably because I'm busy trying to encourage myself! But that's what the Virtuous Journey is about. It's about the highs and the lows. It's about the joys and the pains, the open road and the obstacle-laden road, the smiles and the tears. The awesome thing is that whether I'm on the mountain or in the valley - like now - God remains the same.
In the confines of the valley, it's very hard to see anything else. Your thoughts often lead to that question, "When will this end?"
I don't know. You may not know. God knows.
He sits high and looks low so His perspective is always clear. He sees the end. He knows that He has cleared a path through the valley for you. He knows whether your halfway there or almost at the end. He knows that you can make it through. He sees your tears and hears your cries now, but he can also see your smiles and hear your laughter that is to come.
Then there's the other question, "How am I going to get through this?"
It's hard. I know, I'm there. If I did not have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, only the Lord knows where I would be right now. That is so real. Although many temptations have presented themselves, the strength of Christ has kept me. How am I getting through this? The Word of God. Knowing His word, reading His word, being reminded of His word by the Holy Spirit, surrounding myself with people who know His word, praying His word and essentially reminding God (who doesn't need reminders) what He said. There are times when, and I'm being honest, I don't want to hear the word. Either I make myself listen to a message via YouTube or a podcast or God, in His faithfulness, miraculously steps in and provides exactly what I need when I need it. Most importantly, I have to put His word into action. When He says "Fear Not" or "Be Strong and Courageous," I have to do it. When He says "I Will Never Leave You Nor Forsake You," I have to believe it.
If you're currently in the valley, you're not alone. God is with you and some of your sisters and brother in Christ are, too. Keep moving through - for yourself and for that person behind you who sees that you're not giving up. Remember that the testing of our faith strengthens us. Character is being built - let it be built up strong! Nothing is impossible with our God.
Here are 2 Tye Tribbet songs that I've been blasting. I usually feel good afterward *smile*
"It doesn't matter what I'm going through, He's still good."
And this one...Just listen!