God’s Solution for Tough Times
We all go through tough times
We all go through the shadow of the valley of death
The life is a combination of values and satifaction, of defeats and victories, of failures and successes, and of mountains and valleys.
Crisis doesn’t only show our character, but it also helps to form our character
It doesn’t matter how shadowed our times may look, God is with us.
Though I go through cloudy valleys, I shall not fear anything for you are at my side. Your Sheppard’s rod comforts me Ps.23:4
God wants for us to trust in him in every circumstance
Valleys represent the crisis of life
4 facts about valleys
1. Valleys are inevitable
John 16:33 I have told you these things so that you might find peace in me. In this life, you will face afflictions
Valleys (Crisis) are a part of Life.
Every time you climb a mountain, a valley lies ahead.
Jesus said that those that live in the world will have afflictions
2. Mathew 5:45 That you may be sons of the father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
No one is exempt of problems
Good people have problems
Bad people have problems
For the children of God, every valley is a path of transition toward something Better
Every time we go through tough situations does not mean we are bad people, it means that we are people
3. Valleys are SEASONS
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. I Peter 1:6
Problems and crisis are not eternal
They have a beginning and an end
Though I walk through – implies movement beyond
We have to go through the valley but we don’t live in the valley.
4. Valleys are not an Accident, they complete a purpose
Nothing in life is an accident
Everything happens for a reason
Something to learn:
ß Every Problem has purpose
ß Faith is developed through life’s vallies
God cares more about our Character than our Comfort Level.
God cares more about our healing then our happiness
God wants to form the Character of Christ in us
David said: I shall fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and yoru staff they comfort me.
So what should we do when we go through the valley of the shadow of death?
1. Refuse to become discouraged
I shall fear no evil
• To be controlled by fear or to put our faith in God is not an accident but a decision
• Discouragement or Confidence are always the result of a decision
• We cannot invade a valley, but we can walk through them with no fear
How do we decide not to fear or be discouraged?
Focus in on God not the situation
Walk with people that will encourage you
2. Remember that God is with you
Because you are with me! God is with us in every moment
God gives us his presence but also promises his POWER in the valley
You will never face a tough day alone, God says: “I am with you”
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters I will be with you and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you when you walk through the fire you will not be burned the flames will not ser you ablaze
Valleys help us know God more intimately
Speaking about God and speaking with God, are the same thing
Affliction + God’s Presence = Relationship
Real Christianity is relationship not religion
3. Rest in God’s protection and guidance
Your Rod and your Shaft they comfort me
ROD = Protection - not to punish
The Sheppard used the rod to protect his sheep
Staff = Direction
Sheppard used to bring sheep closer to him
Presence, Protection, and Direction is what God gives in valley
Three important fact about the Shadow
1. they are always bigger than reality
2. Shadows can’t hurt
3. There can be no shadow with a LIGHT being somewhere
Jesus is the Light of the world
Many are the afflictions of the just but the Lord shall deliver you from them all Psalms 34
