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Friday, July 30
Little Valley lived among the verdant hills that stood tall and proud. Each tree, each flower on the hills stretched out in service for its created purpose. A true testament to their Creator.
Although delicate wildflowers and sweet-smelling honeysuckle adorned Little Valley, the artistry of the hills intimidated her. She compared herself to the regal hills and thought poorly of herself, “What am I amongst these majestic hills of the Creator? Nothing but weeds and stones cover my terrain. I have no beauty with which to serve and magnify My Maker.”
One day, dark billowing clouds as black chariots of doom gathered across the sky. On the hills, the flowers closed their petals, the trees folded their leaves in terror. The sun disappeared, leaving no ray of its existence upon anything.
Little Valley shivered in the foreboding gloom and swirling winds, as the calamity wrapped itself around her shoulders as a sinister black cloak.
The hills trembled under the mighty power of the tempest as its violence ripped at its beauty. The proud hills crumbled under the oppressive weight.
The silence of the hills contrasted with Little Valley’s bemoaning of her situation. The storm struck at her heart, leaving a gaping hole in her landscape. The birds disappeared; their songs of praise gone with them. And all the other valley creatures departed for homes unknown. She cried great tears of grief for her loss.
In her mourning, she cried out to her Creator. “Save me, Master. I’ve been torn asunder. All is lost.”
Whispering back, He answered, “My sweet field of pleasure, My Little Valley, nothing strikes at your heart except it is sifted through My loving fingers. You do not see now but you will see later the beauty born of suffering. You will bring great glory to Me. Do not compare yourself with others. Trust in My Word. Trust in My promises.”
Little Valley sighed and rested in the knowledge that the Master Creator knew best.
Though they eventually ceased, the tears Little Valley shed filled the gaping hole and a beautiful pool of water emerged. The calm waters belied the rugged rocks lining its depths.
Water lilies began to appear on the pond’s surface. A profusion of multi-colored blossoms poked their heads up around the water’s edge. The grass grew the most beautiful shade of green and flourished everywhere. The birds returned to nest in newly formed trees.
Little Valley reveled in the results as she blossomed with new strength and beauty, born out of the suffering as the promise of the Lord. For the rest of her days, she knew she would serve her Master and bring glory to Him.
Though God has gifted you and set a purpose for your life, do you feel unworthy, untalented, or lacking in some area to serve Him because you compare yourself with others?
Just as the hills and valleys each have their own beauty and their own purpose, so does each child of God. Each of us serves to glorify the Lord in our own capacity, which is honoring to Him and beneficial to others. Whether you minister to large numbers or you minister to your next door neighbor, it is all serving the Lord. No one ministry is greater than another.
You are worthy to serve because Christ lives within you, so “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him,” (Col. 3:17 NIV) as “though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Col. 3:23 NLT)
I pray you know this…“For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With His love, He will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zeph. 3:17 NLT)
That was such a beautiful analogy, Lynn. I felt like I was there watching the whole scenario happen. What a beautiful analogy of how God has things in control and how he has to prune away what is not essential in order for our full glory in Him to manifest! You are a blessing!
I got lost in the flowery words at first. Then bam, there was a message from the LORD! Very good. Thank YOU LORD. I do relate to this!
Thank you, Erin, for such a wonderful comment. I deeply appreciate it. Makes my heart happy! Bless you!
LOL! Yeah, Kimberly, it was a little over the top but sometimes the words just take over and I'm left helpless! But they made their point! I hope! Thanks, sweetie!
Thank you Lynn. I have always heard the valleys in our lives being compared to the low points we experience. That gave me a whole new perspective. I needed it. God spoke through your message to me today. Thank you for serving.
Beautifully done, Lynn. Succinct, complete, and poetic. An important message I think we all relate to at some point in our lives. Thank you for the peace inspiring visit to Little Valley.
Oh, sweet Nelda, thank you so much for your comment. You have blessed me. Blessings in return to you!
Thanks so much, Elaine. You're a sweetheart and I appreciate you. I'm so happy this piece spoke to you. Blessings to you!
Lynn, I love the wait you communicate so effectively the warmness of God and how inspirational and moving he is. Love your writing style.
Kevin, Thank you so much. I am humbled. You bless me! Blessings in return to you! And thanks for stopping by!
If I could echo Elaine, this post was beautifully done. I was caught up in the story and slowly realized that this was about us.
It truly is poetic and captures God's work in our lives. I love how it glorifies God in this way.
Thank you for a great post!
Oh, my! Dean, what a special comment! Thank you so much. I deeply appreciate your visit and your kind words. Blessings to you!
Very nice....touched my heart and soul....actually found it very comforting! Thank you, Sandy
Sandy/Tailswagon, Thank you so much for your kind comment. I deeply appreciate.
I looked at your doggie site. They are too precious. If I ever get another dog, I will certainly take a good look at the Morkie.
Blessings to you!
That was wonderful, Lynn.
I do have to protest one thing... I signed up to have your blog come to my e-mail...and it isn't happening?! Should I just try again?
Thanks so much, Michele! I'm glad you liked it. We'll work out the email thing. Blessings to you!
Lynn,
This was a such a wonderful post. Beautifully crafted, and deeply moving.
I'd love to share it on my blog.
Thank you.
Susan
Your posts come to me by email, Lynn, and sometimes I forget if I came here and left a comment. You write so beautifully and deliver your messages from the Lord in a unique and inspiring way.
Oh, Susan! You are so sweet. I would love for you to share. Thank you so much! Bless you!
Thanks so much, Connie. I always appreciate a comment from you but you don't have to always leave a comment. You always bless me and just knowing you are a subscriber blesses me.
Beautiful, Lynn. Thank you for bringing a ray of sunshine into my life today. :o)