If it takes a valley to really know Your grace
And if it’s in the desert where I’ll meet You face to face
Then turn this path I’m traveling to some dark and lonely place
‘Cause if it takes a valley, then a valley’s what I’ll take

(From If It Takes a Valley by Brian Free & Assurance on their It’s So God CD)

“If affliction brings us into greater intimacy with God, then it is a good thing.” ~Ron Auch

(From the book Developing a Heart for God)

As I read this quote from Ron Auch the other day, my mind went back to some of the trials I’ve gone through that I wouldn’t wish on anyone, yet I believe it’s those trials who have made me who I am today–for better or worse. It’s the singing groups that have gone through the most difficult seasons that are some of the most mature. The preachers who have been through the fire often have a stronger message that resonates with others.

I’ve been seeing some of Joni Eareckson Tada’s reels on Facebook lately, and they have been good reminders that whatever the devil means for evil, God can use for good. But we need to surrender to Him–not in a passive way, but in a way that allows Him to use our trials if that’s what it takes to make us more like Him.

Human nature wants to avoid anything that makes us uncomfortable, but because of sin, that is impossible. Let’s endeavor to seek God in everything we do, to walk in a way that pleases Him, continually drawing near to the Father so that when hard times come, we don’t miss a beat but we keep serving Him, trusting Him to bring us through in His perfect time.