The God of the Valley - there is a valley that each of us must enter, usually unwillingly, in order to experience the God of the valley and His faithfulness. God is a God of the mountain, but he is even more a God of the valley. God does not waste valley experiences. If we are faithful in the valley, we will enter a new dimension with God that we never thought possible. There is a harvest of wisdom and virtue that can only be grown in the valley. The valley is a place of fruitfulness; it is a place of testing. It is where God brings what you know in your head into your heart

"The man of God came up and told the king of Israel, 'This is what the Lord says: "Because the Arameans think the Lord is a god of the hills and not a god of the valleys, I will deliver this vast army into your hands, and you will know that I am the Lord."'" - 1 Kings 20:28

Whenever we stand on the mountain, we are able to see clearly. It is the best vantage point to see what lies ahead. 

Wouldn't it be great to live on the mountain all the time in order to anticipate what is ahead? 

God allows us to experience the mountaintop at times.

Joseph's first mountaintop experience was as a young man. 

He had the favor of his father, Jacob. 

He was given a fine coat and even had a dream about his future. 

As a young man, Joseph had a sense of destiny about his life. 

God often gives us a picture of our future so that we will remember this picture when we are being tested to trust Him in the valley. 

This picture usually does not reveal how God intends to bring about the visions for our life.

However, none of us really derive the character qualities God desires for our lives while we are on the mountain.

It is in the valley where the fruit is planted and harvested. 

It cannot grow on the mountain; it must grow in the valley. 

God is a God of the mountain, but he is even more a God of the valley. 

In the valley, it is more difficult to see ahead; the clouds often cover the valley and limit our sight.

Joseph was thrust into a deep valley that left him wondering if the God of his father had forsaken him.

Jesus hoped that He might be able to avoid the valley that caused Him to sweat blood. 

There is a valley that each of us must enter, usually unwillingly, in order to experience the God of the valley-and to experience His faithfulness in the valley.

Once we have spent time in this valley, we come out with something we would have never gained if we had not entered it. 

The valley brings much fruit into our lives so that we might plant seeds into the lives of others. 

God does not waste valley experiences. 

If we are faithful in the valley, we will enter a new dimension with God that we never thought possible.

There is a harvest of wisdom and virtue that can only be grown in the valley.

Has God brought you into the valley? 

Know that the valley is a place of fruitfulness; it is a place of testing.

It is where God brings what you know in your head into your heart. 

The only value of knowledge is when it becomes part of your heart. 

Look for God in the valley today.

Os Hillman

TGIF Today God Is First Volume 1 by Os Hillman

Os Hillman  is Founder and President of Marketplace Leaders Ministries, an organization whose purpose is to train men and women to fulfill their calling in and through their work life and to view their work as ministry.

marketplaceleaders.activehosted.com

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Through the valley of the shadow of death - sheep do not understand the concept of death. They do understand that entering a dark valley can be dangerous. Even when we might have reason to be afraid, we do not need to fear, because God is with us, and will take care of us. Like a shepherd, he knows what He is doing and has our best interests in mind. “Valley of the shadow of death” is not the most accurate translation. A “dark valley” connects much better with sheep lying down in green pastures and beside quiet waters

Shadows - We never need to fear a loss of hope when shadows come. Shadows are part of life. Yet the shadows need not define us nor paralyze us with fear. Even in the midst of them we are reminded, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” God walks with us through the valley where the shadows cast a distorted image. He comforts us as we go. He anoints us with His joy and our cup can overflow with the knowledge of His goodness and mercies following us. Our good Shepherd leads us and we can trust Him fully, even in the shadows

God’s Light Shines Brightest in the Darkness - life is often likened to a journey through valleys and mountains, filled with moments of joy and sorrow, triumph and trial. Yet, in this darkness the psalmist declares an unwavering trust in the presence and protection of God. The rod symbolizes authority and protection, used to fend off predators and guide the flock. The staff represents guidance and support, gently leading and correcting the sheep along the right path. We are called to fix our gaze upon the presence of God who walks beside us through every shadowy valley