As a child, has your mother ever told you, "You don't listen," or, "You're hard-headed"? I know I heard those phrases plenty growing up. Typically, these were phrases I heard when I was told not to do something, and I would do the opposite, causing little Donaven to go through a trial that sometimes wasn't the most pleasant.

Just like children, many of us go through the ups and downs of life without ever truly understanding what is really going on. A lot of us simply exist in this world without clear vision, moving about like babies and letting life happen to us. When we go through bad times, we just chalk it up to a bad stretch of days, weeks, or even months, and then move on without learning a single thing. We simply restart the cycle of walking through a valley and emerging without a lesson.

A trial is a test of faith. It is a tool utilized by our Father with the purpose of breaking us down, building us back up, strengthening our faith, and improving our relationship with our Creator. A trial could be against your health, your marriage, parental relationships, finances, mental health, and so much more. It is never a punishment but rather a turning point in one's life. For example, surviving a gunshot wound could be the catalyst for a newfound relationship with Christ. The heartbreak of a past lover can bring someone closer to God who was once lost.

Valleys are seasons of trials, pressure, hardship, and testing. Even though they may suck, they are an integral part of everyone's life—for both the Christian and the unbeliever. Valleys are long and can make you feel as if the pain is never-ending. But they are exactly where God shows His love and grace the most. They are the place where endurance is built and a new connection with God is formed.

Now remember, we have free will. So just because you may go through a trial and a valley, that does not mean you will automatically gain or grow in your relationship with God. It is still up to you to reach for His already outstretched hand.

Psalm 23:4 NKJV Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Stay in tuned next Sunday for Part 2 of the “Trials and Valleys” Series.

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