“Even though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me: Your rod and staff protect and comfort me.”
You’ve probably read this verse a thousand times, but have you ever noticed the significance of the word “through” in it? It’s fascinating that David does not say, “Even though I walk ‘around’ the valley of the shadow of death…or ‘over it’ or ‘under it’.” Instead, he says he walks ‘through’ it. So many times when I’m facing something difficult or dark or scary, I just want out, just want to go around the situation and avoid it. I realized recently that one thing God is teaching us is to face our fears…yes, even life and death fears. Not to avoid or be in denial about what we’re going through or what terrifies us.
He wants us to know we have what it takes, because He is with us. There is no darkness, no evil, no pain, no situation that you can’t face. You’re learning to be an overcomer. Learning the power you have with Him. Learning to know that He will never leave your side and will walk with you through anything. You may be crying out for God to simply deliver you out of something, which sometimes He does, all the while He might be saying “You need to walk through this. Face it. With Me.”
Sometimes the only way out, is through. Some of you (me too) need to stop trying to go around your dark valley, and walk through it.
You’ll learn a lot and will be stronger for the next situation. You’ll learn that with God you can face anything, even death itself, without being afraid. Even Jesus, Himself, wanted to avoid going through His darkest valley. Remember, just before going to the cross He asked God if there could be any other way than the cross…and ultimately, He realized He had to trust God and walk through it. So may we all, like Jesus, be able to say "God if there is another way than going through this pain, that would be great...but nevertheless not my will, but Yours be done" (Luke 22:42).
コメント