“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete.” James 1:2-4

If you’ve ever hiked to the top of a mountain, you know the exhilaration of taking in the view at the summit. One of my favorites is the 14,400’ panorama from atop Mt. Elbert in Colorado. Something noticeable from this elevation is the timber line, the altitude point above which no trees can grow. As you descend from the peak where there is virtually no vegetation and look below into the valley, you see lush and beautiful growth. The physical conditions in the valley allow the trees to flourish and grow.

The Bible is clear that it is in the valleys of life—through trials and troubles—that spiritual growth takes place. Paul reminds us that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). While we would gladly choose the mountaintop seasons of life, our intimacy with Christ deepens when we come through the valleys with Him.

God is working not only to give you Himself but to transform you to be like Him. He is using every difficulty and hardship with great purpose and love.

Insight: “The deepest things that I have learned in my own life have come from the deepest suffering.” (Elisabeth Elliot, Suffering is Never for Nothing, 2019)