Shadows and Valleys

  To live a life of faith and dependence on God creates an astounding and challending pilgrimmage experience. Faith yields both great blessing and also great challenges. Faith and mystery are inextricably linked. To live by faith implies a surrender of will and ultimately control. One minute we see astounding and stunning response to our prayers for healing and provision.... and the next minute we see and experience deep sorrow at the unexpected tragedies of death, disease and despair. Faith is real, faith is substance and yet faith often is 'not yet' in terms of satisfaction and fulfillment.

  The Psalmist David who knew and  loved God, expressed it so well in Psalm 23, "Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me." Perhaps the greatest paradox in life and in faith is that we grow deepest and more mature in times of testing and not in times of tranquility. The storm draws us closer to what matters...and separates, sifts and silences the less important voices.

  The destination of faith is not dream like contentment but vital, lasting and intense engagement in relationship with God. We are being called not somewhere 'over the rainbow' to a fictitious paradise. No, we are being called to someone... to be with someone...forever. The trials and turmoil are not meant to torment us but to test our faith... and remove the empty profession and artifical proclamation. Do we really believe? It's in the shadows and valleys that we find the answer.

Jim