Mountains and Valleys

It’s interesting that mountains and valleys can be beautiful and dangerous at the same time. Their distinct in differences and in purpose yet they both apply to nature and to our lives. Their physical realities and spiritual metaphors give clear pictures of times and seasons in our lives. No doubt this can be a hard reality to accept as we all want both the mountain top experience and view as a lifestyle yet the ebbs and flows of life present a different picture.

Mountains are like distinct moments in our lives like our wedding, the birth of our children, an achieved goal and a fulfilled dream. These are the moments that take our breath away as we stand in awe of God’s goodness. It’s these times that encourage us to dream and reach high, to let our imagination run wild of what could be because with Christ anything is possible. God is in these moments and rewards those that diligently seek Him. I encourage us to record these moments. Journal about them, video them and remind ourselves of them because they can often give perspective in the big picture of life.

Valleys are distinct moments in our lives too. These are the tough times when we don’t know what is happening and we can’t understand what or why it’s taking place. Many times valleys take our breath away with possible fear or anxiety wondering what is next and if things will be ok. We are tested to hold onto hope, push through our feelings and trust that He is good. It’s easier said than done, but it’s a reality for all of us. No one is exempt from the process because it’s a part of who we are and getting us where He wants us to be.

The Good News is Jesus conquered our enemy; therefore, neither mountains nor valleys determine our outcome. God does!

This is stated in Hebrews 11:6.

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6

Notice He rewards those who seek Him and our part is to believe! We choose to believe in seasons of mountains or valleys. We believe in good and bad times. We believe when we understand and when we don’t. Our place is the same in either situation. Even though they are the opposite in location and meaning, God is the same so we are the same to Him no matter what.

It’s also important to embrace the process. Our destination is greater than our experiences, and it’s His intent to complete us which comes in a step by step process. It’s not in a moment or in an instant. It’s always step by step and day by day because this causes us to know Him, be close to Him and gain inward life change. Things received quickly can easily be valued for a season and then we don’t value it anymore. But when something is earned over time or when you have paid a price for it, you protect and respect it. This is where God wants us to be so that all the blessings and answered prayers are handled correctly and with care. It’s better to be slow and sustained than quick and fleeting in our lives.

Where are you today – mountains or valleys? With either place, He has you, and His Grace is working for your good! Don’t give up! Stand up and be what He has called you to be. Protect your belief that He exists for you and that He knows what He is doing! Up or down, joy or pain, the process is for our good to make us the person He wants us to be! Our moment is now to resist self-pity, resistance, bitterness and more. It’s time to look to Jesus whether we are on top of the mountain or at the bottom of the valley.

The best is yet to come, and all things will work together for your good! Enjoy the journey and choose to give thanks in all things because life is better when we do!

Have a great week and thrive in your faith!