Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

Living

Friday, Feb 10, 2012

Walking Through Dark Valleys

0
By Charles Stanley , Christian Post Contributor
August 13, 2008|4:48 pm

Genesis 37:18-28

At the age of 17, Joseph lost almost everything. His family, his position as the favored son, his home, and his freedom were abruptly taken from him. How stunned he must have been by the hatred of his siblings and such overwhelming loss. But one thing he did take with him was his faith in God.

Life is like that at times for every one of us. Sudden changes in health or finances, the unexpected death of a loved one, or abandonment by a good friend can bring us into a dark season of life. We do not understand why God has allowed the trial or lets the pain continue. Joseph probably wondered the same things, but he managed to hold fast to his faith. He experienced the blessing of God’s presence—even as a slave in a foreign land. And recognizing that God was with this young captive, his Egyptian master showed him favor (Gen. 39:2-3).

One of the keys to walking through dark valleys—those times when life is crumbling and the future looks dim—is to embrace the reality of God’s presence with us. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live permanently within the new Christian and seals him or her as belonging to God forever. Because of Him, we are never apart from the Lord. No circumstance, suffering, or loss can separate us from Him or His love (Rom. 8:35, 38-39).

Take a few minutes each day and reflect on Jesus’ promise to be with us always (Matt. 28:20). The result will be that this truth becomes planted deep within your soul to sustain you in hard times.

Used with Permission

Like us on Facebook

0
Top Stories

New FRC Report Finds 162 Reasons to Marry

To celebrate National Marriage Week, Family ...

UK Court Rejects Christian Hotel Owners' Appeal Against Gay Couple

A British court rejected an appeal Friday from two Christian hotel owners who were sued after turning away a gay couple from their establishment because of their beliefs regarding pre-marital sex.

Legal Expert Informed White House Law Is Unclear on Contraception Mandate

Lawsuits over the Obama administration's ruling ...

City Council in Iowa in Talks to Bring Prayer Back to Meetings

A religious organization in Iowa is hoping to bring prayer back to city council meetings after the practice was dropped earlier this year.

Clergy Group Pushes Darwinism as Sound Science in 'Evolution Weekend'

More than 500 churches in ten different countries ...

Religious Leaders Supporting Md. Gay Marriage Bill Cherry Picked

Gay rights advocates have drawn a select group of religious leaders to support gay marriage in Maryland ahead of Friday's hearing for the "marriage equality" bill.

Crystal Cathedral to See Name Change, New Design

Crystal Cathedral, the Garden Grove, Calif., ...