Discouragements

I've been thinking off and on about this topic and I find that I'm living in an intriguing phase of life. For some reason many of my friends (co-laborers in ministry) are coming across discouraging times. Over the past month I have also had been dealing with spiritual discouragement. I definitely felt some of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." It was a very interesting position in which to be placed. Through this the Lord has definitely been helping my vision to be changed and focused. With my focus being changed, I desire to give some encouragement to you if you are going through this "valley" phase of life. May we always realize that we ALL need to be pruned, the Lord is the all-wise vinedresser (John 15), and "...that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28, ESV).

Lordwilling, the following words will give you some more encouragement.

In the Valley
Based on The Valley of Vision prayer "The Valley of Vision"

Words and Music by
Bob Kauflin

When You lead me to the valley of vision
I can see You in the heights
And though my humbling wouldn't be my decision
It's here Your glory shines so bright
So let me learn that the cross precedes the crown
To be low is to be high
That the valley's where You make me more like Christ

Let me find Your grace in the valley
Let me find Your life in my death
Let me find Your joy in my sorrow
Your wealth in my need
That You're near with every breath
In the valley

In the daytime there are stars in the heavens
But they only shine at night
And the deeper that I go into darkness
The more I see their radiant light
So let me learn that my losses are my gain
To be broken is to heal
That the valley's where Your power is revealed

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