Nehemiah re-built The Valley Gate. This is a difficult gate and one that we don’t generally want to go through- the valley experiences which no-one likes. We would all (myself included) much rather stay on the mountain top and enjoy those experiences with God but I don’t believe that we can stay there forever if we are to grow, mature and move on.
The valley gate can be a necessary part of following our path to achieve what God is preparing us for. It develops our faith and trust in God and we learn from the experience that God is faithful. I believe that Jesus had to go through the valley gate when he went from Mt Olives through the Kidron Gate into Garden of Gethsemane and then to the Cross. He was in agony in the garden but He yielded to God’s will to be done. Generally, in life we will all go through valley experiences but the encouragement is that we are never alone at those times and we can get through them. Jesus promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. He will lead us through the valley – even the valley of death. The words of Psalm 23 encourages that God is with us and will not forsake us and will comfort us in time of difficulty and pain.
If you are in a valley situation right now – keep going, don’t give up and ask for God’s help. Sometimes the valley situations teach us far more than the mountain top experiences and our faith in God grows. God will show you the way through to the other side. Humility and the valley gate in my experience can sometimes go together hand in hand. I have had to humble myself under God’s mighty hand before I realise that I can’t handle situations on my own or with my own wisdom or little understanding. If I submit and surrender to God and acknowledge my dependence on Him then I have felt His peace even in the most difficult of situations.
EagleSight 