If you are in God’s will, you’re right where you’re supposed
to be. Whether that is on the mountaintop, or in the valley, God has you firmly
in the palm of His hands.
This is something God continues to teach me throughout the phases and stages of life. However, it’s interesting when I look back and think about how distraught I was at certain points in my history—both recent and distant.
Whether grief-stricken over a loss, disappointed by a setback, devastated by an unexpected blow, or bowled over by troubling news, in that moment, I was so sure I would never rise again, recover, or overcome.
When times got really tough, I can remember feeling weak and overwhelmed, like I absolutely could not take it anymore.
But you know what? I’m still here. And so are you. I survived and so will you.
I find that while you’re in the midst of a tempestuous storm, things appear to be so intimidating and ominous. Clouds are dark, rain is heavy, wind is high, and the fog is so thick you can’t see your way clearly.
In the middle of it, you have moments of doubt when you can hardly muster the faith to believe for better days.
That’s how I felt last year when I was sick and seemingly wasting away all those months. The enemy told me I would never recover and that it was over for my destiny.
Some days, Daily Cup family, I almost believed him, because all the evidence seemed to prove that he was right.
But he wasn’t.
The devil is a liar and the truth isn’t in him. The Bible says in John 8:44 NIV: “When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”
That makes it pretty plain, right?
You can’t believe anything the enemy is telling you!
You might feel like everything is being taken away from you, but actually, you’re going to take away a testimony from this. After you walk away with victory, you’ll be better equipped to encourage someone else.
Recently, the Lord illuminated this truth in the form of an inspirational word I felt led to share on Facebook.
He told me, in order to effectively encourage, you must know what it feels like to be discouraged. In order to heal others, you must first understand how it feels to be wounded. You cannot give what you do not have. You cannot lead where you have not been. You cannot teach what you do not know. You cannot birth out your ministry without labor pains.
If you are going through a season of hurt, struggle, brokenness, hardship and trouble, don’t fret my friend. You are not there to stay. God is simply giving you valley lessons so when you ascend to the mountaintop, you’ll be qualified to help those who remain in the wilderness from whence you came. Now is not the time to faint or give up.
You’re coming out of this.
And to help you hold onto your faith, I’m stirring Romans 4:20-21 KJV, which highlights the faith of Abraham, who continued to believe through uncertain times. It says, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded, that what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, your faith will be strengthened and your confidence renewed. You will be assured that God has an amazing plan for your life that will, without a doubt, be fulfilled, after this.
Hold onto the promise of 1 Peter 5:10 ESV that says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Now point to yourself and say this: “I am not in the valley to stay.”
Now believe it, because that is God’s word for you today.
Let’s pray together.
God, this storm seems like it just won’t go away and it’s been hard. My trouble is lasting a lot longer than I thought, prayed, hoped, and believed it would. Some days, I don’t know what You’re doing, but still, I believe and trust You. Thank You for reminding me that I am not in this low place to stay, but that this is all a part of Your plan to bring me out with a mighty testimony of deliverance that will help somebody else. Today, I cling to this assurance by faith and count it done. In Jesus’ name, Amen.As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
