Monday’s Mantra

Thanks for joining us for Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power and Monday’s Mantra at Trench Classes United. Come on inJ

When I say some of life’s most precious moments are born in the valley, what comes to mind? It doesn’t sound possible, huh? Nor does it sound like something we all want to sign up for. This kind of reminds me of the statement in the Serenity Prayer that says “allowing hardships as a pathway to peace.” Sometimes don’t you just want to look up and go, “Really, God?” Yes, these are the times that require us to let go -- of the need to understand why things are happening -- and let God…do His job! But that’s not always so easy.

Over the last couple of weeks, I have heard and read several scripture reminders about how our struggles are allowed for growth; that it’s in the valleys of life that true fruit is planted; that hardships really are a pathway to peace.  I’ve lived through so many valleys and I do know this to be true, though sometimes I think my pathway to peace is a heck of a lot longer than others! J

If I’m honest, I can also share with you that when I’m in that valley, it’s so hard to focus on these truths; instead, I tend to focus on the pain of it all, and then look for the lesson. I can’t help but ask, “Will I ever learn to remember and recognize these spiritual truths that would literally lift my eyes off of the painful process and set them upon my Refiner, the one who takes tragedies and trials and turns them into triumphs, if I let Him?”

How do we walk in and through those valleys with our focus on the One who is not only the director, but the author of the full movie, knows every scene that will take us out of the valley? Simple one step at a time, with our hand stretched out to Papa, our heart entwined with His, trusting that His plan is not to harm us, but to grow us, lift us up; in other words, taking Him at His Word.

I can either enjoy the scenery while waiting patiently in the valley, or I can cry and complain, wiggle and wrestle.  Considering how many valleys He’s already brought me to and through, I think I’ll work harder at enjoying the scenery, taking Him at His word. After all, it’s not like my problems have knocked Him off of His throne; He still is, and always will be, in control!

Now let me finally share with you the “a-ha” that I had the other day when I was thinking of the current situation I’m in and all those involved: This is where HE has me!  Am I really going to wiggle and wrestle, which is a form of shaking my fist at Him?

Are you in an uncomfortable situation, friend? Are you feeling a bit miserable, uncertain, questioning what in the heck is He doing?

I don’t know about you, but knowing this is where He has me brings me comfort and takes me to the whole fruit in the valley and hardships as a pathway to peace principles. So if I really believe He’s in control, then why should I wrestle and wiggle? Why not enjoy the ride and get to the end of the lesson a heck of a lot more invigorated than stressed? Can I challenge you, Coffee Hour Friend, to trust His plan for you? It’s not like He doesn’t know what He’s doing!

Learning and unlearning,

Evinda