Walking through the Darkest Valley……

Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. Psalm 23:4

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No matter how much believers claim to trust God, they do not want to suffer. Some Christians assumed that life is to be uneventful and everything is supposed to be rosy on a daily basis. Christians seem to get caught by surprise when tragedy strikes. They actually believe they have an innate right to happiness and fulfillment and a life without difficulties but Christ never promised an easy life. Did He? Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24.

There are dangers attached to assuming that suffering, grief and other challenges should not be part of the Christians life, They may find themselves dwelling in self pity as they look at others, their conflict free relationships, their beautiful families, their beauty, their health, their success, their wealth, and compare their suffering to their apparent blissful life. In the assumption that they should not suffer, they may find themselves caught in the sins of resentment, envy, jealousy and bitterness.

Friends, suffering is a place of walking through sometimes,(it may last a long while). Suffering is a normal part of life on this earth. I cannot stress this enough: Grief is and will be always be part of the Christians journey on this earth. The believer’s life will include trials and difficulties. As you all know, sometimes problems remain unsolved for a long period of time because sometimes it takes quite a long time to get our life in order. I firmly believe the word walk in the above scripture is used to teach us that we have to pace ourselves. The valley of the shadow of death is a place of careful walking. We tend to want to run through our sufferings. We do not like to endure.

I have learned that coming out of grief takes time. Not all people walk at the same pace. I have noticed that some know where they are going and walk fast and confidently and seem to transition easily while others walk hesitantly and tend to dwell a bit longer in the wilderness. The promise of scripture is that our Good Shepherd, will be with us as we walk. Glory! He will guard our steps and strengthened us, He will journey with us even through our unsolved problems, and he will bring us to that new green pasture. He will prepare a table before us, even in the presence of our enemies. The only way to glory is through suffering. The only way to the table before us for Christ was through suffering and as we take a step, He will be with us.

And Father how grateful I am for your love! Thank you for being with me as I pass through my darkest valley. Thank you for your son Jesus Christ my Good Shepherd and thank you for the strength to remain faithful to you in my valley. I praise you. I adore you for only you are Holy. Only you are worthy and only you are God. Amen!

Praise the Lord!