Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words

In life, we all like mountaintop experiences better than valleys. But the truth is that valleys are inevitable. Jesus didn’t want us to be surprised by these difficult times, so just before He died on the cross, He warned us, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that you can’t plan valleys or schedule them.  I mean, have you ever had a flat tire or a root canal at a goodtime? But be encouraged that valleys are temporary; they do have an end. And they have a purpose, for God will not waste our pain. The apostle Peter wrote,“There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.” (1 Peter 1:6,7 NLT).

Andrew Murray, who was a pastor, writer and Bible teacher, once wrote, “In times of trouble, God’s trusting child may say

FIRST:He brought me here; it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that will I rest.

NEXT: He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child.

THEN: He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn . . .

LAST: In His good time He can bring me out again – how and when He knows.”[1]

 

Then Murray encouraged us to say: “I am here –

By God’s appointment.
In His keeping.
Under His training.
For His time.”[2]

Thank God for His presence with you when you need Him most. He makes no mistakes.

[1]Andrew Murray, http://www.heraldofhiscoming.com/Past%20Issues/2015/February/in_times_of_trouble.htm,

accessed 11-4-2016.

[2]Ibid.