Beyond The Valley: Living Fully Through Life's Challenges

To all the faithful readers of the Daily Devo, this will be my last Devo for a while as I take my customary Summer Break.  I'll be travelling for the rest of June and the first week of July, and will return to the Devo on July 7th.  If you have made the Devo a part of your daily routine, you can still keep reading through my collections of Daily Devos that can be found on my author's page on Amazon (along with my other works).  The link to that page is below.  

Over the last decade or so, I've discovered I'm more of a mountain person than a beach person.  It's not that I don't enjoy visits to the beach, and admittedly, Key West is one of my favorite places in the world. However, being in the mountains makes my heart sing more than standing near the ocean. 

Standing beneath the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, for example, gives me a sense of wonder that permeates my soul.  It's a feeling of being awestruck by their majesty, yet also feeling small and vulnerable.   

When I was young, I climbed from the base to the summit of Pikes Peak.  Looking down at the path I'd taken to reach the summit was an unbelievable experience, despite how hard it'd been.  

The last part of that journey was incredibly difficult because we were facing a white-out blizzard in the middle of August, and could only move at a snail's pace, barely able to see the path.  

As young as I was, I had this sense of how short life can be, and how the roads we travel can sometimes be difficult, but if we persevere, the view is worth it all.  

Looking back, I find myself reflecting on how life is a precious gift, meant to be lived actively and intentionally. Yet, so often, we find ourselves hesitant to face the obstacles that lie ahead. We may feel daunted by the challenges, wary of the struggle, or simply tempted to stay comfortable in the safety of what is familiar.

But remember this: life is not a spectator sport. It is a call to participate fully, to embrace each moment with purpose and courage, trusting that God's presence sustains us along the way.

The words of author Robert M. Pirsig resonate deeply: 

“Like those in the valley behind us, most people stand in sight of the spiritual mountains all their lives and never enter them, being content to listen to others who have been there and thus avoid the hardships.” 

It’s a sobering reflection that many stay in the valleys, content to admire the heights from afar, never daring to climb because of the hardships that come with the ascent. Yet, true growth and true discovery often happen when we face those mountains head-on, knowing that the journey might be tough but incredibly rewarding.

Scripture echoes this truth. In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged: 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

Our challenges are not obstacles meant to stop us—they are opportunities to deepen our faith, build character, and move closer to the purpose God has for each of us.

Living with purpose and courage means choosing not to be bystanders but active participants in God's divine plan. It involves taking that first step towards the mountains, despite the hardships, trusting that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Every mountain climbed, every difficulty faced, is a testament to our trust in God's sovereignty.

I encourage you today: do not settle for standing in the valley. Keep your eyes on the spiritual mountains, and step forward with hope. God’s purposes for us are often revealed not just on the other side of our challenges but within them. 

Your courage to face what lies ahead will not only transform your life but also testify to the power of a faith that believes in God's promises. 

Embrace the journey—live fully, trust boldly, and remember, you are called to be a participant in the great adventure of life, strengthened by God's love and grace.

May it be so, and may the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with us all, now and forever. Amen.