Midweek Encouragement - Learning in the Valley”

“Learning in the Valley”

             ^{“Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”}

^{James 5:10 NIV}

         ^{Believe it or not, low points in your life are much better teachers than your high points. In Psalm 23:4, David wrote, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”}

         ^{When you’re in the valley, it may seem as though the walls are closing in around you and there’s no escape. You may think, “Is this it? Is this all there is? Is this the end of my story?” But be encouraged: the valley isn’t the end. In fact, God may just be taking you through the valley to teach you what you need to know so you can reach and truly appreciate the mountaintops.}

         ^{Things will change because God’s will for you is “good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2). However, right now, there could be something in the valley that God wants you to learn. So consider how He’s working in your life as you learn this lesson: ”You learn more in your valley experiences than on your mountaintops.}

         ^{Take a minute or two and read James 1:1-8. James was writing to Jewish Christians who had been driven from Jerusalem by the persecution of the Jewish authorities (See Acts 8:1-4). They were away from their homes and families and not welcomed by their new communities.}

         ^{Those believers in the early church were enduring persecution and starting to turn on one another. So James encouraged them to be patient and trust God. He wrote in James 5:11, “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”}

         ^{My friend, maybe your trials today are also exposing areas of anger, bitterness, or unforgiveness and you’re finding it difficult to persevere. If so, you’re starting to understand what God wants you to learn through your trial. Remember, you’ll be blessed if you endure, so embrace what He’s teaching you. Whatever the reason for the trial, God never means it for your harm. Rather, He means it for your good, so you can become everything you were created to be and experience His abundant blessings. So why not respond in a way that honors Him today? Stay close to Him in prayer and through His Word. Obey whatever He’s telling you to do. Learn through your valley experiences so God can prepare you for the mountaintops, because your story is far from over. The best is still to come.}

^{For those of you who will be in worship at the Mt. Laurel Church of God this coming Sunday, June 23, the message will be from this Scripture:}

^{2 Corinthians 6:1-13}



^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.