The Valley Experience

All Things Fall

This past weekend my sister came to visit. We did all things fall. We took her son and went to fall festivals, went through a hay maze, and rode my horse. One morning, we had planned to take an easy hike with the family. More of a nature walk since we had her young son with us. Well, one by one, everyone decided not to come and my daughter offered to babysit, leaving my sister and me to have some sister time.

I asked if she would want to try one of our more challenging hikes (at least for me). She was game, so off we went. She lives at less that 100 feet above sea level, so hiking at 6,000 feet was hard, no matter who you are. We took it slow. Much like my first time on the hike, she kept asking, ‘how much further?’

The Mountaintop

But wow! The mountain lake at the top is a stunning view. As we posed for a selfie, she said if only this picture captured all we had to do to get here. So true. We have to work hard to get to the mountaintop. We have to endure hard things. I completely resonate with Peter’s desire in Matthew 17, where he wants to pitch a tent and stay on the mountain, basking in God’s glory. When you have worked so hard and endured so much, you want to take time to relish in the mountaintop experience.

However, my life’s journey has taught me that growth often happens in the valley. Physically, we get stronger when we are on the climb. Our legs get stronger and heart and lungs get more efficient. Spiritually, we grow as well. When we go through the valleys of life, we get stronger. I never want to go through something like Lyme Disease again, but what it has taught me is invaluable.

Miracles In The Wilderness

As we have studied Exodus, I continually think about this topic. In Exodus 13-14, they found themselves between the Red Sea and the wilderness, with no clear escape route. Yet, God parted the waters, and they walked through on dry land. This miraculous deliverance was a mountaintop experience, but what followed was another valley experience – the grueling journey through the desert.

In Exodus 15:22-27, the Israelites complained about the bitter waters of Marah, only to have God provide sweet water. Later, in Exodus 16, they grumbled about the lack of food, and God sent manna. These valley experiences taught them to rely on God’s daily provision. Arthur Pink says, “God’s design is to wean us from all earthly things and to bring us to a place where we are completely reliant on Him.” That is exactly what God was doing with the Israelites and what He does with us. He teaches us to be completely reliant on Him.

We often forget that mountain top experiences can be fleeting. The view from the top can be breathtaking, but it can also become obscured by clouds. We risk becoming complacent, forgetting the journey that brought us there. In contrast, the valley forces us to look up, to seek God’s guidance, and to grow in our faith.

Moses’ Hands Held High

Exodus 17:8-13 recounts the battle against the Amalekites, where Moses’ hands needed to be held up by Aaron and Hur for the Israelites to prevail. This picture of Moses with his hands up points us to a position of prayer and worship. The valley experience taught them that God’s strength is made perfect in their weakness. Also, that we are better together. When you are in the valley, reach out to those who can strengthen you.

When my son was diagnosed with Graves Disease, I was terrified. I found many people did not know what to say and gave casual pleasantries that hurt more than they helped. I had to put myself around people who strengthened me and encouraged me. People that pointed me back to God and prayed with me. I pray you have people in your life who will encourage you.

Also, remember, as you navigate through the valley, God is with you, walking beside you, holding your hand, and wiping your tears. Trials refine you, equipping you for the next mountain. Celebrate the mountain top moments, but don’t forget the journey that brought you there.

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