THE WORD in her day made her ceremoniously unclean—and this exempted her from many gatherings. (Lev. 15:19; 25)
When people asked why she looked frail—she said nothing. Instead, she kept her story to herself.
She had spent her savings trying to find a cure, and hope deferred made her heart grow cold.
But when she heard of Jesus, she said to herself: If I could touch the hem of his garment, I would be made whole. (Luke 8:43-48)
She realized how to shorten her painful season. Her hope for recovery seemed in sight—and the journey of over a decade was coming to an end.
The woman with the issue of blood went behind Jesus, touched the hem of his garment, and her bleeding stopped.
When you can't, you run to the One who can!
IT IS NO fairy tale that painful seasons come unannounced. And if given a choice, we love to be on the mountain top at all times. However, life is full of highs and lows, mountains and valleys.
Valleys are rough places full of storms, difficulties and unrest. I bet you've been there many times.
Moses was there when he left Egypt. He had killed an Egyptian. So, he ran to Midian, trying to get away. And he lived with the town's priest for forty years. (Exod. 2)
Know God's Intention
GOD does not intend you to live in the valley for life, but he wants you to be brave.
Even though you walk through the darkest valley, you will fear no evil, for God is with you, his rod and staff they comfort you. (Psalm 23:4)
David did not know that he could be brave until he found himself in the valley.
Have a New Perspective
THE VALLEY allows you to see Him in ways that you can never see at the peak.
Job said: "I know that you can do everything and that your plans are unstoppable."
"You said, 'Who is this that belittles my advice without having any knowledge about it?' Yes, I have stated things I didn't understand, things too mysterious for me to know." (Job 42:2-3)
Whenever you face a difficulty, don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty - Corrie Ten Boom.
Get a New Understanding
WE DISCOVER our true nature in the valley, and the journey becomes painful until nothing matters.
Paul puts it this way: We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that Jesus might be manifest in our bodies. (2 Cor. 4:8-10)
So, know that God has your back. He's got you there for something.
God remains solid when your world falls apart
Purpose mindfulness
GOD does not allow a valley without a purpose in mind—he uses every tool to prepare you for the next phase.
But what will be your response—will it be rebellion or cooperation, disobedience or obedience?
Grow Up
YOU are immature when you're in a difficult place and sulk or blame others.
If you want to speed up your time in the valley, your response should be: God, what are you teaching me? What will you have me do?
All I am, my life, they are yours.
Look Ahead
THE PAIN may be unbearable, but there's joy on the other side.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Ps. 30:5)
Stay on Him
IN YOUR darkest moment, God will give you peace. When your world falls apart, he remains solid.
He will keep you in perfect peace if your heart stays on Him. (Is. 26:3)
Bringing it Together
WITH every word of God comes perspective, and with every perspective comes instructions.
Storms are not punishment for lack of obedience; often, they are the result of obedience - David Jeremiah.
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