I was always known as a strong human, not just physically but also mentally, and this pride, that I am superior had camped inside of me. People said I am super smart, sensible, rational, talented and a long list of other synonymous adjectives. I walked with my head held high because I knew that nothing or rather no one can bring me down; but this confidence was in my own self and not God, hence it did not last long. My so-called strong hands trembled when I covered the face of a loved one whose death shattered a part of me, my rationality and smartness stopped making sense when I found not a pint of happiness in the job I did and to top it all up, my body started giving up on me because of all the stress. This was a gist of my journey downhill and it taught me that I am weak, vulnerable and scared but at the same time it also brought in a realisation that I need God. The valley was for a season, but it was there that I met my Father, who is constant in every season.
An equilibrium shift in the form of disease, death or heartbreak can act as an anathema to our faith sometimes. All of us go through at least one of the three aforementioned catastrophes that can leave us crippled for quite a long but we forget to understand that it is sometimes in that dark and dingy valley that we see the light of our God; when everything is sunny, little do we find the need to seek Him. The Bible has scripted stories of several strong and authoritative people who met God at their weakest. A quick glance at 2 Kings 5, we find a very powerful character, Naaman, who was one of the most efficient soldiers of Aram; the Scripture calls him a ‘valiant soldier’. Naaman was honored, esteemed and feared in every way but then leprosy had him bound to chains of pain and shame. A commander, who once walked with pride, was now conscious of the prolonged stares that people gave him, which were more painful than any stiffening of the muscle or the blisters that broke out on his skin. The mental torture that this strong and self-reliant man went through is just unimaginable. He was so desperate for a healing that he took the advice of an insignificant slave girl; a classic case of the saying, ‘Desperate times call for desperate measures.’
In verse 3, we read that the Israeli servant girl said, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy” The innocent dialogue that marked the start of a journey of humility. It is interesting how she did not even mention Elisha’s name and yet Naaman agreed to meet this random stranger in another land, just because a slave girl spoke highly of him. As we read further down, the journey has a whole lot of drama that happens before Naaman’s chariot stops at the door of Elisha’s house. Surprisingly, the prophet does not come out of his house to greet the visitor and this was something that the proud commander wasn’t used to. Naaman was agitated when Elisha sent his messenger asking him to go wash himself seven times in the Jordan. Like every other normal person, Naaman questioned this grossly unconventional proposition; nonetheless, he went down to Jordan after his servants convinced him to do so. The journey that he took, down to the river must have been some of the most difficult steps that he’d have ever taken; every step in anger, shame and defeat, yet with a hope to be healed. He dipped himself seven times in the river, which I believe was an act that not only brought healing but also humbled the proud commander. The Scripture says, ‘His flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy” (v.14). I think every time he took a dip, he got a better clarity on God’s perspective. Naaman met God at the lowest point of his life and when he did, God transformed him from the inside out; this was better than a thousand battles that he won.
When we go downhill, we remember to crib and cry but little do we realise that our God who took us to the mountain top has a greater plan in the valley low. I feel that we cannot empathise with the ones who are in the valley unless we have been there ourselves. Humility is when we desperately reach out to God and, oftentimes, we don’t reach out until we fall. So, don’t fret if you’re in the valley because the journey here will be your testimony on the mountain top.
Note: Every descending stair in our life is an ascending stair in our faith.
Consider this:
When in the valley—P-R-A-Y
Praise: I love the song by Casting Crowns—Praise You in the storm. It is pivotal that we praise and worship God, not just on the mountains high but also in the valley low. God loves the praise of His people and our Spirit is rejuvenated every time we praise. It is hard to offer praise when everything around is in shambles. But, God is sovereign in all that He does and wherever He takes us.
Renew: The valley phase is a season of change. Embrace that change, don’t resist it. The walk through the valley will not only keep you grounded but also prepare you for the hike up the mountain.
Abide: Obedience comes out of love. It is definitely a marker on whether you truly love your Father. Abide in His Word for it will equip you to fight every form of evil that comes your way. The enemy tries to tamper with our faith when we are at our weakest and the only way to fight it is with the Word of God—the double-edged sword.
Yield: The valley is also a place of surrender. No position, no degree, no wealth is going to help you to get out of it. The aforementioned might be tools but not the solution. So, instead of leaning on your own understanding, TRUST in the Lord. (Proverbs 3:5). As you yield Him your body and soul, know that He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber (Psalm 121:3)—I love how reassuring the Word is!