Invitation and the valley
I have spoken before that in the area of invitation we experience a dip when we are turned down by a friend or relative. We could view the dip also as a valley. In the Christian life we have mountain-top experiences as well as those in the valley. We long for the mountain top, but fear the valley of failure. But I say to you, that most of our learning comes in the valley of our failures. The psalmist talks about valleys. He says even though I walk through the valley of death I will fear no evil. There is an expectation that there will be valleys, but how can the psalmist be so confident in the valley. I want to say that the Psalmist had a vision, a dream of the other side of the valley. So what about us, can we have a dream or vision of other side of our problem or failure Our visions and dreams are like magnets they will pull you through the down times and the difficulties. The Psalmist goes on to say for though art with me, they rod and staff to comfort me. We will find our God in the valley of our difficulties and failure, therefore do not be afraid.