WIll I Follow Him In the Valley

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12 | Philippians 4:13 | Deuteronomy 31:8 | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 | Jeremiah 29:11 | Psalm 139:14

There's something to be said about the seasons of life. As I'm venturing into my late 20's, I'm starting to realize that the mountaintops I climb will be higher than the ones before, and the valleys I walk through may be deeper than the ones before as well.

In this particular season, I keep coming across a question: Will I follow Jesus in the valley, and not just the mountain top?

It's so easy to follow Jesus when there's no difficulty or challenges. It's easy to follow Him when Im in a Bible study group with my friends and I can actively feel Him and know He hears my every prayer. It's easy to say whatever you have, Lord when I'm not faced with a decision that could make me uncomfortable for Christ. It's when I'm at a crossroads in my life where I can choose the comfort of my flesh or choose to say no to this world and keep my eyes on Jesus.....this is when it get's more difficult to follow Him. Not because He's any less present, but because I'm battling principalities and powers (Ephesians 6:12)

This is where the rubber meets the road.

Am I choosing to follow Jesus when nothing feels good or hopeful? Am I willing to turn away from the old ways that make me feel good for a moment and keep my eyes on the One my future depends on? It's very easy to follow Jesus on the mountaintop. It's not so easy to follow Him when you're walking through the valley.

I think it does get easier to follow Him in the valley though. Maybe easier isnt the right word....perhaps it becomes more habitual if we're living with our hearts set on Christ. I think we learn to set aside our choice to follow Him or not in the valley as if it were a new concept to us and we decide ahead of time I will follow Jesus through thick or thin. We govern our body and flesh to not make the choice for us, but rather the opposite: it doesn't matter how Im feeling. I will follow Him regardless.

That being said, here's some things Jesus has taught me in this season:

1. I will never leave you no forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8)

   - Through thick and thin, He will never leave me. Im never alone.

   
   

2. This season won't last forever (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

   - There is a purpose for every season. Every high and low experience is meant to teach me something good about Jesus. If I listen, I can hear Him no matter what.

   
   

3. I know the plans I have for you (Jeremiah 29:11)

   - He has an outcome for my life that will blow my wildest dreams out of the water. Maybe not because His plans will look better than my dreams, but because following Him everyday will bring so much more joy than any human desire could. And if that be the case, who cares where I end up? If its with Jesus, that's the best outcome possible.

No matter where you're at right now, remember that the One who made you "fearfully and wonderfully" (Psalm 139:14) has not forgotten you, and He never will.

Things will get better. They have to.

Thanks for reading friends