Crossing On Faith

In my attempt to journey through the Kingdom, I have entered a new valley. It is a dark valley for the moment. I cannot see what is ahead or around me, and I know that I can't go back in the direction from whence I came. Even that is starting to fade, and frankly, it's a little scary.

During my last year, year and half, in Montgomery, TX, the 23rd Psalm took on new meaning for me. Generally used for comfort during times of great grief, namely deaths, I found great hope in exploring all of its implications. Honestly, I owe that to my pastor at the time, Dowen. He helped point out a lot of significance this passage of scripture had for my life. As I started writing this post this morning, the passage was brought back to mind, so I re-read it. From the NRSV:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff -
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.

I ended 2008 with a full time job (albeit one that didn't pay every bill, but it paid most of them) and a part time job. I begin 2009 with 4 part time jobs. Right now, I'll only be getting paid for 3 of them, but that 4th one is what I know God wants me to do. So. Dark valley? I can't see a heck of a whole lot. Bright horizon? More than you and I can imagine!

While I know God is walking me through this particular valley (like he does every valley) he doesn't promise a peaceful valley. While he promises to be there, to give peace and comfort and rest, the valley and the journey aren't going to be easy. That's why it's called a dark valley or the valley of the shadow of death - not very pleasant imagery.

However, this I know: the other side of this valley will be like a land flowing with milk and honey! While I desperately already want to be on the other side, I know that I've got to journey through this. It's in the journey that God reveals his glory, and I don't want to miss it. What started the idea for this particular post came from Ephesians.

As someone was praying over us recently, he said that it was important to daily put on the full armor of God. So, after reading that passage again, I came across verse 18 of chapter 6:

Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.
Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

That is my request of you. Pray for me. I may not be in chains, but I am to be an ambassador. So, "I must speak". "Pray that I may declare it boldly." And pray that I may learn what I need to learn, so that this valley isn't necessarily a long one, but one that bears much fruit for the Kingdom. After all, that's all I'm doing - journeying through the Kingdom. Crossing on faith.

Soli Deo Gloria
R.C.