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A Dramatic Pause

“He approached the Philistine” (David approaching Goliath)… and that’s where Pastor Joe stopped.
The congregation gasped.

A sling and five stones.
I can’t wait for next week—Pastor Joe is quite the storyteller. I wouldn’t miss it if I were you!

Scripture in the Valley

Psalm 23:4 reminds us:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Faith is the gift God gives me in the valley.
And suddenly, it all makes sense.

Ephesians 2:8–9 says:

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God— not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Meeting God in the Valley

Every valley I’ve walked through—and the ones I’m still in—are places where He meets me, strengthens me, and comforts me. Without my valleys, I wouldn’t recognize how deeply I need Him.

God, I need You.

Joy and the presence of God aren’t found on the mountaintop; they’re found in the valley. Joy is God revealing Himself right in the middle of my pain:

  • When I’m in the hospital.
  • When I’m missing my mom.
  • When work is overwhelming.
  • When I’m tired, depressed, or battling medication side effects.

Choosing Faith Daily

Still, I will keep showing up.
I will stay clean.
I will pray.
I will read Scripture.
I will surround myself with people who lift me up.
I will serve others and share the gospel.
I will live by faith.

I will receive the gift He gives me, and I will seek His presence in every valley I walk through.

I will accept my faith—my gift from God—and I will find His presence in my valleys.