DEVOTION / Through dark valleys

Have you ever listened to those prosperity gospel preachers?  What they proclaim scratches itching ears. Turn your life over to Jesus -- then you will find success! Jesus will heap blessings on you financially and much more! It sounds like you might just win the lottery.

Enticing but in reality?

Even a glancing look at Scriptures reveals that this does not sound right. Look at the life of Jesus. He never even had a place to call home. He was mocked and betrayed. His own people ultimately crucified him. Was there ever a harsher life?

Look at the life of his chosen apostles. They, too, went through great struggles, trials, and suffering. Consider Paul and all he endured to share Jesus’ gospel.

The suffering Savior

Already before the Savior appeared on the earth, his people were told he would be a suffering Savior. Isaiah 53:3-4 reads He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and suffering…

Jesus himself warned his disciples that if he was mistreated, they should expect to be mistreated as well.

Blessings beyond suffering

Those who turn to Jesus and are expecting to find a bed of roses may find out that those roses have thorns. We are promised that in everything God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). A simple reading of this might lead people to think this is talking about the temporary things of this life. But our Savior has much more in mind. The close of this verse reveals we are called according to His purpose. God’s purpose is that all people may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4).

Surprised by hard times?

Those who listen to the warped gospel of prosperity preachers may be shocked when they discover that Christian life doesn’t always mean happy times and easy sailing. In 1 Peter 4:12, we are warned to not be surprised if believers are asked to endure fiery ordeals that test us.  Our strength is not in ourselves or our flickering faith. Rather our strength is the Lord, our Rock and Fortress. Psalm 23:4 assures us that even in the darkest valleys, the Lord our shepherd is with us. Trust his leading to get all his sheep home. 

Prayer: Lord, help us know You are always at our side through the greatest of challenges and the darkest of valleys. You lead the way, even in the difficult days. Praise you. Amen.

by Dave Payne