As life goes on, I am learning what the real struggles are. And God is gracious enough to show me where I struggle the most. He is gracious not to put the fire out, but rather refine me in the flame.

In the highest peaks it is so good to praise Him. There is a silent reward you sense when you have climbed Humble Mountain and can feel the Son warm your face. To see where it was all heading, taking in the view of His glorious love at work in your life.

God gives us the mountains and peaks that we might reach to sing Him praises of  sweet joy. Where we remember all His benefits. Redeemed from destruction by His forgiveness, He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

The place many fear is the valley. Where the shadows sweep over us with doubt. I do struggle here. But I also have spent enough of my life here to know He is with me in this canyon of grief and unknowns. His rod and His staff they comfort me, they steady my mind and cleanse my ways. Because He will still ask me to walk through it. And it will still hurt. And that can be a fearsome thing sometimes.

God gives us the valleys that we might know He is loving and true. This world has nothing for us apart from Him. His word is our bread when we have none. His peace is our water when we have dried up with fear. His forgiveness thaws our anger. His love binds our wounds and soothes our pain. God is not so far that He does not also carry you, walk with you, lead you and die for you. He will not leave.

But here is where I struggle the most these days. In the vast open plains of faithfulness. I tire and cry out, I cannot see the other side of my labors. I  know they are adding for His purpose and His glory. I don’t want His glory, but I do long to be steadfast like my Lord. To be faithful.

It is like a long prairie. Your wagon is tattered and always needs repairs. The sun is hot and the ground is dry. And when the rains do come, it washes away pieces of yourself. Pieces you thought God would use. You know your work is to do the will of God, love Him and trust Him, share Him and praise Him. And your heart longs to keep on doing it, but it costs you plans, pride, and rest. You sow in tears, [but you will reap in joy]. Your only currency is faith. The world laughs but God sees.

This is where my struggle ends up. It feels silent sometimes, working on the heart in solitude. Like the narrative is somewhere far away and all I have is what I have read in red letters. I cherish them, recite them, love and hide them in my heart.

God gives us the open plains to stretch out His grace upon our lives every single day and to exhaust our faith in the most amazing ways. He will have broken people, who love to glorify Him.

The Bible says if we are faithless, He remains faithful. Out in these wide open places my heart can fail me. I thank the Lord for this promise. But I know He still calls me to faithfulness. It is a blessing, and a fruit. It is the call upon our lives as God’s church to contend, walk, have faith, to wait and trust, to stay pure. As long as we live, this is the itinerary. Because it is not a sprint, it is a long distance run. It is a mile at a time and a million miles all at once.

I guess I write to any of you who are tired and weary. You may know how to get through the storm but old struggles sweep in when the terrible winds die down and you are back to the pace of life. You may be walking a long path of obedience, trusting that on the other side God remains good and true – regardless of the plans or outcomes you hope for. This season stretches your forgiveness and your faith.

Whatever the season is that breaks you the most, remember something:

You are made for God. You are His vessel and His workmanship. In the face of your giants, you have the privilege to be God’s demonstration of a life fully entrusted to His good care. His eternal work will strip away the cares of this world just like it will wrap you in His tender mercies. His hope is our only lifeline.

It is not the struggle that is faithful. It is that the Faithful struggle, yet find their triumph and rest in Christ the Lord.