We all will face challenges as we go through life! Going through the valley of despair may sound somewhat morbid, but those words depict quite well what many of us have experienced during seasons of our lives.
For many, those experiences can become a bit monotonous and last for a lifetime.
I think of the precious life of Joni Eareckson Tada, who has lived all of her adult life as a quadriplegic since a diving accident as an active teenager.
Since that freak incident when she was just 17, she’s become an inspiration to many who face their own disabilities.
Tada has truly been an ambassador for Christ over these past 50 years, and she continues to travail her personal valley of despair with constant courage and optimism!
On a personal note, this past year has been spent adjusting to low vision caused by age-related macular degeneration. My insurance practice has been affected and it’s become more challenging to produce these weekly essays.
Then again, I’ve experienced God’s glorious grace in this present valley and cherish a certain closeness to the Holy Spirit. I’m thankful for the way He continues to work in my life journey.
Let’s turn to the Book of Genesis and recall the life trials of Joseph. You can read chapters 39 through 42 to get a full flavor of what transpired in his life, if you so desire.
In summary, after spending 13 years in the dungeon of Pharoah for a crime he had not committed, he was miraculously released after interpreting Pharoah’s dream — becoming second in command over all the people of Egypt.
Through it all, Joseph never lost faith in his Lord. He knew the God of his father, Jacob, was in control of his future and it would all be for God’s greater purpose.
Some of you reading this can relate to periods in your life or the life of a loved one who has dealt with adversity.
If you have faith in an all-powerful, all knowing and all-present Creator, those valleys of despair can become bearable and even beautiful.
In Tada’s case, I know her hope lies in eternity looking forward to that day she will be able to once again run endlessly and no longer have to depend on others for her daily care.
Yet in the meantime, she is comforted by her Lord and Savior.
Should you be fortunate to live a long full life, you will certainly find yourself going through the valley of despair in God’s perfect time.
The good news is this: He will be there to hold your hand if you simply ask Him to come into your life.
Sadly, some don’t call upon Him and take matters into their own hands. Don’t do that!
As written in Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
There’s no need to go through such trials alone.