Like Ben-hadad, the king of Syria, many of us think that God is only the God of the hills and the mountains, but not the God of the valleys.

How often do we think that when we are strong and healthy, things are great and provisions are abundant, we see and recognize God’s presence and we appreciate His blessings. However, when things are not right and circumstances are not happening the way we like it, we are sad and say that God has forgotten us. That He has abandoned us for He is not hearing our prayers.

Ahab, the king of Israel almost listened and surrendered to the words of Ben-hadad out of fear due to his lack of faith in Jehovah. A prophet had to come and assure him that our Almighty God is not only the God of the hills and the mountains. He is also the God of the valleys. In fact, King Ahab already gave in to Ben-hadad’s plan until the Lord sent this prophet.

Do we truly believe that God is always present and active all the time? He is constantly aware of what we go through. He is ever present and in control, not only when everything is okay. In fact His grace is more pronounced, more evident every time we find ourselves in the most unfortunate and unwelcome circumstances in life. We simply do not realize that because our eyes are not focused on Him but on circumstances and the people around us.

Lesson/Application:

Our Lord knows and understands our pain. He does not leave us alone to suffer. In fact, Jesus, the Great Helper carries our sorrows and is always acquainted with our griefs.

The enemy’s desire is to make us think and believe that God abandons us when we are down. Remember, God has not left the throne. He is still on the throne; always loving, gracious, and protective of us, His children, especially during difficult times. It is because He knows what is best for us. We only need to allow patience to have its perfect work in us. Let us not get stuck in the sad realities of life. Continue to move and press on and climb the mountains of victory!

YES, our Gracious God allows the valleys of pain, of afflictions, of trials, and of temptations in order to accomplish His greater plan and purpose in our lives. Praise God!