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The Valley

Jesus on mountaintop, Brazil
Our spiritual walk soars when we ascend the mountain tops. When the Lord is speaking to us and we have clear direction, our faith is like a flame. That fire is like a great pyre that can be seen for miles. But then as we descend into the Valley of Temptation and Death, our brazier quickly becomes a torch and in turn that torch a tea light candle. We could hear Christ on the mountain, there everything was clear. But in the valley, His voice seems vague and even altogether absent. This is the struggle of the Christian life, we have the dew seasons and the dry seasons.

For many new believers this is the great testing. Those who have recently been saved experience the profound presence of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The description is often called "on fire," and the resolve of a new believer is inspiring as well as their impact. Those new to the faith are fearless! But in time the dry spell comes and the true test of their determination. In this the seasoned or veteran Christian has a slight advantage; for he or she is familiar with this Wilderness of the Spirit. This descent into the valley is a well known path.

Everyone enjoys the mountain. There the majesty and might of the Lord is ever present. But few want to test their valor in the valley of shadow and death. On the mountain we are refreshed by the Presence and Passion of God. The valley in contrast is where we go to mature and grow. There is the place where we must carry God's presence even if we do not feel it. Down their lies our battle.

There are those that have asked, "why does the Lord let us go without feeling Him?" The textbook answer is to test our allegiance and love for Him. But I think it is has more to do with that he trusts us. Jesus does not test us like rats in a maze. No, rather the silent moments of our Christian walk are when the Lord is hard at work in our lives. It is in those times that God trusts we will follow Him even if he does not give us directions. The example is that when you know someone well enough you often know what they want without having to ask. Married couples understand this well, as do close friends. And like such relationships, you know there are times when you do not need to say a word to each other.

Do not despair! You will reach the mountaintops again! But be content with where Christ has you. The valley is not a struggle to get over with, but the mission field! It is down in the valley of shadow and death that our neighbors, friends, and family live. The mountain is where Christ instructs us and equips us to go down into the deep valley to make disciples! The truth is that we are called to live in the valley. This is why life is hard. We want to be perpetually at the spiritual peaks and in presence of the Lord, but our purpose is to sojourn in the shadow lands tell every last soul is saved. 

So take comfort in whatever season you are in! The Lord Jesus Christ loves you. He has not left you, even if it feels like it. Do not gage your faith by feelings alone. For our emotions and feelings often deceive us. The devil uses them to manipulate us and convince us of lies. Instead stand firm in what you know is true according to the Holy Scriptures and the Holy Spirit. Know that from your first breath you were sent into a world of valleys. It is there that we are called as Christians to show people the love of Almighty God. It is alright to crave the mountaintop experiences, for they will come and refresh us in Christ. But remember that our calling on this Earth is to the valley, it is there we must live and bare witness as windows of God to a world lost in shadow and spiritual death.

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