The Valley experiences in my life

Every moment of my life has not been "mountaintop experiences", filled with happiness, abundance, and meaningful connections with God and others. There have been many difficulties, and in each I wondered why God allowed me to suffer. I learned more in my valley experiences than on my mountaintops. All of us go through difficult circumstances at one point or another. I grew up going to church, as much as possible. My best memories as a child was at church, bible camp or outings with the church. I'm so thankful God gave me a precious mother, who did all she could to give me these memories. When things are going well in my life, it's impossible to fully learn how to trust in God. I discover how to rely on Him in the hard times. I believe God's Word is my rod & staff (Ps. 23:4). His word protects me from making unwise choices and comforts me in my suffering. When things are going well, I often don't give God the attention He deserves. But when, tragedy strikes, I find time to spend alone with Him. In the valley, I learn more about the nature of God: His presence in my pain, His love in my loss, and His patience despite my complaints. Through hardships, He strips me of pride, renews my passion for Him, refines my character and purifies my motives. I've discovered that whatever work He wants to accomplish within me is always worth whatever pain causes. I'm so thankful for the invaluable lessons in my life's darkest seasons. When he allows His children to go through difficulty, He always has a purpose in mind. As believers in an all-powerful, loving God, we can face difficulties with confidence. Those experiences can be tools in His hands to mature us spiritually and draw us into greater dependence on Him. I look to Him for peace & hope despite the circumstances. If we are willing to walk with Him through the valley, we will experience God's highest blessing on the next mountaintop.