Mountains And Valleys
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at 2:29PM MAD21 By Chuck (Sharing Compassion)
It is interesting how whenever we have a mountaintop experience it is followed by a valley. Just as in nature mountains are often separated by valleys so seem to be our experiences. I find myself right now repeating a situation that happened to me in 2005. I was blessed to travel to the Dominican Republic in October of that year. It was indeed a mountaintop experience. God was fully in control from start to finish. Two separate teams were to go back to back to serve there. Due to some unforeseen circumstance the two teams were combined into one team/one trip. We had team built as two individual teams throughout the summer.
Incredibly this new team bonded and brought glory to God. Our ten days down there was incredible as we worked together in construction, VBS and worship. Anyone who has done a mission trip knows what a high it can be when being truly immersed in His work with fellow believers. Anyway, a month later I lost my teaching job. Satan was at work trying to diminish my experience and ground me with doubts. Part of it worked but I never lost the faith. It was just a little over a month later that I was approached by a member of that mission team with an offer to work for him as a sales administrator. (Great use of one of my spiritual gifts). Went from the mountain to the valley and back up the hill..... God is good and in control.
This past Friday, my position was eliminated (due to the economy) and I was laid off...another valley! Of course I had just had a great mountaintop experience the week before when I attended Compassion's National Advocate Conference. I had four days of fellowship, worship and meetings that energized my passion for my ministry even more than before. Satan was not happy about that and I was a threat. Hence the attempt to bring me back down to the valley. I am not sure how long I will be in this "valley" but I am learning the God is in control and works all things to His glory. I have many people praying for me so I know this is being lifted up to Him.
Interestingly enough, yesterday the sermon at our church (thanks, Joe!) was about dealing with opposition. As God's people we must learn to expect these valleys. We need to realize that it is essentially harmless and ignore it. God is in control. Some of the opposition must be countered...we must answer it with prayer and action. Finally all opposition by the enemy is designed to make us quit. We cannot....we have a higher calling...we are called to make a difference in our lives, the lives of others and in our ministry. I ask you to help me overcome this valley- I believe He has something better in mind for me right now and I ask you to pray for my situation.
Reader Comments (3)
A good principle that I have learned is that we can' t have the mountains without the valleys!
I will be praying for you Chuck!
Wow, Chuck! You've dove into the valley! Man, it's quite a dip going from mountain to valley in such a short period. What a great post - thanks for sharing. I know I will be there with you - always find myself in the same up to down travel. ;) .. I will be praying for you. Thanks for the oppty! Hang in there. Hugs.
Thanks everyone...I appreciate the prayers. God is faithful!