The Mountains and Valleys Edition

There have been times in my life where I could really understand what the Israelites felt like wandering through the desert for 40 years. It makes me feel bad that Moses never saw the Promised Land. That's not our typical fairytale ending.

God doesn't promise fairytales. He knows there will be valleys or deserts in our life. He does promise to walk through them with us. Inevitably, He usually leads us to the top of a mountain. Sometimes quickly, sometimes after the proverbial 40 years.

The last few years have been a series of valleys and mountains.

My most recent valley seemed long. Almost 15 months long. I gotta be honest, it felt like 40 years. There was much growth in our faith, as people and as a couple. While the valley was long, it wasn't without purpose.

In the matter of a week, we were on our way out of that valley and onto a mountain top. Through N's family's real estate investing, we are able to move into one of their homes here for the time being. It answered so many prayers and helped both N and I feel hopeful. We saw some light at the end of the tunnel. While the house in Puyallup hasn't sold, we will have our own space for the time being. Praise the Lord!

This week has proven that sometimes God takes me up on that mountain to show me the valley ahead. He provides me with hope and shows me that He is in control. While there is a deeper valley ahead, He will guide me through it.

Right now we're standing on that mountain, looking ahead and seeing that God isn't done carrying us through the valleys of life. We're entering a new valley.

As I reflect on my life, it's in the valleys where I meet God. Where I see Him in all His glory. The mountains provide me with a chance to breathe, but they don't challenge me. They don't force me to grow. God wants me to yearn for Him, to know Him and to trust Him unconditionally. For me, that happens in the valleys.

As I walk down this mountain into the next valley, I am nervous. It is the unknown. But I know God is going to use this valley in a way I cannot fathom. He's going to use it for His glory.

Luke 3:4-6 - As is it written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

'A voice of one calling in the desert,

Prepare the way for the Lord,

make straight paths for Him.

Every valley shall be filled in,

every mountain and hill made low.

The crooked roads shall become straight,

the rough ways smooth.

And all mankind will see God's salvation.'