Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Mountains (09/20/04)
TITLE: Growth in the Valley By Rose Gingerich 09/24/04 |
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT SEND ARTICLE TO A FRIEND |
I had just come through one of those “mountain top” experiences, which only made this “valley” seem so much worse. By the end of the day I was in a tizzy, and ready to pull some hair. I wanted to get back up on the mountain, but I didn’t know how.
Our family has taken a number of trips to the mountains; hiking up the mountain being one of the highlights. The view at the top is breathtaking, to say the least. You can see for miles on a clear day. The trek to the top is always worth the effort.
I began asking God how I could get back up on the “mountain”, which I was sure would be better than this difficult “valley”. As I pictured in my mind, the majestic views from the mountain tops, I felt the Lord speak to my heart.
“The view from the mountaintop is excellent, but does anything grow there?”
“Huh...?”
“Look at the valley. The floor is covered with a carpet of green grass and there are lots of flowers and trees. At the top of the mountain there’s only rock and very little oxygen.”
I could picture the lush grass blowing in the soft breeze beside a crystal stream. I felt a peace flow into my heart as I sensed the Lord sooth me with this illustration of mountains and valleys.
We can’t have mountains without having valleys, just as we can’t have a rainbow without having rain. We must go through the valley to get to the mountain. The Lord showed me that growth happens in the valleys, not on the mountaintops.
I believe He takes us to the top of the mountain, giving us an exhilarating view to refresh us, than takes us back to the valley for more growth. May we continue to grow until Jesus comes.