Victory in the Valley

I still remember that Sunday at church when I couldn’t stop crying. My good friend comforted and encouraged me, saying “you’ll see the other side of this. I promise.” I had some serious doubts about if and when that day would come. Full healing seemed so distant and out of reach. God had done it before in other situations, but this one felt too heavy.

But maybe “seeing the other side” of suffering isn’t always about having victory over the valley. Maybe it’s about God redeeming the hurt while you’re still healing.

Scripture tells us that God can do all things, even those which we cannot. For me, this meant trusting that God would get me through this pain and that he would use it for something greater. I couldn’t do any of that on my own, but the word of God tells me that he can. I love how the prophet Jeremiah puts it: ““Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17, NIV). Jesus proclaims this truth in Matthew 19:26 when he says “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (NIV). Nothing is too difficult or too heavy for God, even though it was too much for me to carry. And with that, I surrender to God because I know he can handle it. I come to Jesus because he gives me rest and a light yoke (Matthew 11:28-30). And I adopt new perspectives based on Scripture because I want to see more clearly. These are just a few:

• God is a God of clarity and peace (1 Cor 14:33). I don’t pay attention to the distractions or get caught up in confusion because they are not from God.

• God makes all things new (Rev 21:4). The pain isn’t going to last forever. I know greater things are coming.

• God’s grace is enough for me. When I’m weak, he gives me strength (2 Cor 12:9). I don’t have to pretend I have it all together. I no longer strive for approval. I know God will provide all that I need.

• God works all things together for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). I stand confidently in knowing that God will make beautiful things from my brokenness.

• God will exchange this hurt for a greater good (Genesis 50:20). I move forward because God has a purpose for my pain that goes beyond what I see or feel in this moment.

Redemption is God working my hurt for a greater good. I see it, even though I’m not completely healed and the promises aren’t yet fulfilled. But I know nothing is wasted when left in God’s hands. He is a redeemer and a restorer. In the low places, he can bring glory. Only God can use a valley to move mountains.