Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools. They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion. O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah
Good morning friends. As long as life spares us, there will always be challenges in between our seasons of breakthrough or rest. So much so that without these challenges, we cease to grow and blossom spiritually. They afford us with rich opportunities to experience a deeper and closer relationship with God, if we can learn a lesson or two from the story of these pilgrims.
If we can see beyond the pain and suffering as they did, if we can learn some valuable life’s lessons, if we can build those vital muscles and stamina for the weights of life, especially the heavier ones which lie ahead of us. Alluding to this, Paul writes concerning Jesus:
though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
Without compromise, these Valleys of Baca are passages we need go through, much like the cross with Christ; as our hearts are set on the heavenly kingdom. They are important milestones in our pilgrimage, each one providing unique opportunities to refine and define the believer for greater exploits in this world and the world to come. But the key here dear friends is what we make of them. Although arid and barren to vegetation, these pilgrims created cisterns; and as a result, The Lord poured down rain. Instead of having a pity party and drowning in their tears; they raised their prayers, worship and thanksgiving to the almighty. They deployed their knowledge and skills to make something out of a very bad situation; thereby, leaving behind spiritual monuments for future pilgrims. Now, that is something!
So they grow from strength to strength until they fulfilled their earthly purpose and destiny, until they appear before God in immortality.
In closing, I’m reminded of a verse from John’s revelation at the Island of Patmos; a verse that crystallises today’s thought, offering courage, strength and inspiration to fellow pilgrims reading this thought now, and stretching beyond the curtains of time to those even yet unborn:
And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—
~ Sabali
*Check out the front cover of my new book (Echoes of Mercy, Whispers of Love):
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/echoes-of-mercy-whispers-of-love
Be part of something awesome!
Much love,
Clem
Healingsprings fellowship 