Trials and Valleys Pt.3
Written by, Donaven Clarke
My Testimony
In December 2025 I broke up with my current girlfriend of three years. We were Christians living in sin causing our relationship at the time to be fractured. It was as if I was speaking German and she was speaking Chinese. We never understood each other and disrespect grew between us week after week.
One day I decided to rip off the band-aid and break us apart. We were both hurting each other in ways we would have never imagined years prior. This was done before my birthday, December 26. I fell into a spiral. I stopped cooking. I stopped cleaning my house. I stopped going to the gym. My creativity was stunted which meant that I was no longer able to make Youtube videos and write for The Self Improvement Club.
I was in such a deep pain. Towards the last few months of that relationship. I unknowingly made her and other things idols in my life. I prioritized Youtube, stock trading, the gym and anything else you can think of over my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Links For You
The Revival
I had to be BROKEN. I was stripped of everything that held up my identity. My apartment, our relationship, my finances, my health, my passions. All these things had to be taken away.
Some of you reading may know that I’m in the industry of service as a doorman. Through the grace of God I was able to keep a smile on my face and serve each and every person every day. And not a single person at that building ever knew that I was borderline depressed.
But God kept me. He only interfered when he needed to. Over the course of weeks I felt every possible emotion you could think of from rage to deep sadness but then one day my focus shifted. I started going to Church weekly. I grew from reading one verse a day to reading full chapters. I began fasting. My prayer life increased. And slowly but surely i transformed from a boy that lacked connection with his Father. To a man slowly aligning his priorities to what God the Father sees as best.
And now several months later we are now back together. And together we are slowly aligning to God’s plan.
The Forge
Our breakup was the catalyst to my valley. It was filled with hardship from the lost of a companion and heartbreak. It was packed with pressure to become a better man. I went through trials day after day serving others without putting my anger out on those undeserving.
I was broken, melted and then refined. Through the fire God forged me into the man I am today and becoming. Understand that when God is gearing you for a transformation. Whether that may be a career change, the start of a business, the ending of a toxic relationship. Fire will come. Pain will come. It will feel as if it will never cease. But understand that your Father in heaven is there. He’s your protector. And when all else fails. When no one is picking up your call, texting you back, embracing when you need it, understand the God’s hand is always stretched and waiting for you.
Weekly Do’s
Look back at what you’ve been through and think about how its made you stronger
October 10th, 2025
Verse of the day
Isaiah 54:16-17 See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc; 17no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.
Thank You
Stay tuned next Sunday for the Finale of the “Trials and Valleys” Series.
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