Made For The Valleys

While you have the light, believe in the light… —John 12:36

“We all have moments when we feel better than ever before, and we say, “I feel fit for anything; if only I could always be like this!” We are not meant to be. We must bring our everyday life up to the standard revealed to us on the mountaintop when we were there. If, during a prayer meeting, God shows you something to do, don’t say, “I’ll do it”— just do it! We must learn to live in the ordinary “gray” day according to what we saw on the mountain. Burn your bridges behind you, and stand committed to God by an act of your own will.” - My Utmost For His Highest

A question is posed in the Focus On The Family seminar – The Truth Project.  “Do you believe that what you believe is really – real?”  A piercing question, no?  It gets to the core of the problem with most of us.  We like the idea of living a sanctified life ... one that endures no matter what storm we might find ourselves in, and yet, when we feel the boat rocking... hear the wind howling ... and the salt spray in our faces … we shrink back … just like the disciples …

“And when he [Jesus] got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” -  Matthew 8:23-27

That is what makes being on the mountain so great for so many … you sense the presence of God … the fear you felt in midst of the storm is gone … calm waters - smooth sailing - it is a glorious time … but like Peter on the Mount of Transfiguration ... we forget that even though you want to stay on the mountain and worship, you were made for the valleys.  Your purpose is to walk in the valley … not to be a spark on the mountain top but to be a light in the dark valley … even in ... especially in … the storms of life.  God does not want to spare you from trouble ... He wants to use you in the midst of it.  It might mean that you will lose something … but even in that loss, God will not abandon you.  When Moses came off of the mountain, his face shone (Exodus 34:29-35) but eventually that glory faded.  The same for us.  You may experience times of great spiritual encouragement, but those times are like seasoning on food.  They enhance the flavor, but the seasoning is not what sustains and nourishes you.  As Christians we are sustained and nourished by faith through obedience, and all of that for and to the glory of God.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone