Treasures In The Valley, Christian Suffering Part 7
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
Suffering and resisting evil has the capacity to launch us in to deeper, broader, more effective service for the Lord. Just as there are various severities of suffering, there are analogies used in the Bible that can be used to gain insights into suffering: winter, wilderness, and the valley of death.
The winter, wilderness, or valley of death may feel scary and intimidating, but rest assured, God has a plan for it. He desires to make your faith stronger, your endurance increased, your fears decreased, and your ministry to Him more fruitful. We can welcome seasons of change and challenge with open arms, trusting in our loving Father to use it for our good; to make us more like Jesus.
Dropped In The Valley
Valleys are often deep and winding. You can't always see what's ahead, but moving forward, sitting down, or going backward are the only ways you can traverse a valley. The valley acts as a channel, bringing you through a certain way on a certain path. It is an alternative route that protects from the open elements, provides very clear next step directions, and allows God to goad from behind if we get too comfortable or hesitant. It is a very focused, directional, and intentional shaping tool used by the Lord. It is a spiritually vulnerable position, with high places on either side for the enemy to attack strategically, so it is important to arm yourself with the right mindset and keep forward momentum. In terms of sins with strongholds, this looks like severe consequences and results in much loss. In terms of end of life, this is a concentrated study of dependence on the Lord before the joy of joining Him. This is the hardest and most challenging of all three types of suffering seasons.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Psalm 23:4
Below are several examples of the heroes of our faith that entered suffering to be formed by it.
Joseph was sold as a slave, accused of adultery, imprisoned, and forgotten. However, during that time he was prepared for tremendous influence and rulership.
Moses knew he was the deliverer of the Hebrew people, but found himself in the desert for decades. This time reframed his identity and cleansed him of Egypt.
David was anointed as king over Israel, but was on the run several times from his predecessor and even his own son. These times forged David's character of humility.
Paul knew he was sent to the Gentiles, but spent much of his time in prison. As a result, he wrote 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament.
Suffering is uncomfortable. But when we respond in a godly manner, suffering has the capacity to launch us in to deeper, broader, more effective service for the Lord, just like the people listed above.
To which of the people listed above do you connect with personally?
What is the hope found in Psalm 23:4? How does this shift your focus?
Note: the rod and staff of a shepherd are used to protect sheep, count them, pull them out of spaces they are stuck in, and to protect the sheep from predators.
Name a difficult season you've experienced. What did you struggle with? Do you feel you overcame it or did you see the same troubles return? (we sometimes call this "going around the mountain again")
When you reframe suffering as a launch pad for service to the Lord, how does that shift your internal attitude toward suffering? How does it give you hope?
For Review Of The Past Three Lessons
Reflecting back on winters, wilderness, and valleys, have you seen seasons of dormancy? Of spiritual disorientation and feeling lost? Seasons that you feel there is no escape or way out?
Wisdom can be paid for with our own mistakes or it can be received for free through the lessons of others.
Think through a season where you gained deeper spiritual insight. How can you communicate that wisdom to others?
Name a time you listened to someone with wisdom and you attibute that to avoiding a difficult season.
Why are rhythms of rest and growth important to maintain?
If time permits between concluding the teaching and the prayer, take a moment to prayerfully and worshipfully listen to this song "You Are Making New Wine"
8:10 Minutes Long
**Suffering References
Christ In Our Suffering, Pt 4
There is no dark season that is too dark for Him Ps 139:11-12
He knows what its like to face evil Mt 4:2-3, 27:28-31
He understand dread Mk 14:32-39, Lk 22:44
He understands betrayal Mk 14:41-42, 45
He understands the challenges with not repaying evil for evil Isa 53:7-9
Prayer: Thank You Father for Your hand of provision, to sanctify us and transform us into the image of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to cooperate with Your hand in our lives and give us the grace to submit to Your will. Amen.
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