“If a man cannot prove his religion in the valley, it is not worth anything.” -Oswald Chambers
We want our anchors in life to be things we can see and touch. We want anchors we can hold onto with our hands. We don’t mind having faith in God as long as we subconsciously have a “Plan B.” Whether it be a trade we can make a good living at, or family members who will take us in, or insurance, or whatever else we subconsciously go through life feeling like we can fall back upon should God ever test our faith the way He allowed Job’s to be tested. But faith in the valley is not like that.
Faith in the valley means that you are surrounded by impossible mountains that rise up around you on every side. Faith in the valley means that you cannot see anything around you but your valley and those mountains— mountains that loom in your face, mocking any attempt you make to see past them. It’s just you, the valley, the mountains, and no “Plan B.” And that is the place where faith is either proven or put to death.
Jesus plainly instructs us, “Do not worry about your life…” but sometimes I do. There is a piece of me that has a bad habit of playing a mental chess game of practical survival, come worst-case-scenario. “What would I do if… “ I do this because my flesh likes anchors it can see and touch and hold onto with my hands, even though my spirit knows and understands that God is sovereign and trustworthy in all things.
Oh Lord, expose the things in our lives we have placed our trust in other than You, so that we may walk in perfect obedience to Your instructions, “Do not worry about your life…” even in our darkest valley. Even when there’s no “Plan B.”
(Matt 6:25-33) Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?…will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?…Therefore do not be anxious,…your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
(1 Peter 5:7) Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
(Psalm 145:13-16) Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
