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Have you ever been in a situation where you feel all alone, deserted, misunderstood, misconstrued, discouraged, powerless and clueless on the next step to take? Really, I have been there. I don’t know about you. As a matter of fact, it’s a lifestyle you must get used to as a believer in Christ Jesus. “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (1 Timothy 3:12). One thing is sure, you can’t escape the trials of life. If you aren’t there yet, be sure it’s on the way. It is not whether if it will come. It is a matter of when it will come. It is a season of life you must experience. It is called the Valley of Baca. “For blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring” (Psalm 84:5-6). Now, this Valley of Baca could be financial hardship, hell letting loose on your business, sickness and disease terrorizing your life, your good deeds and intentions towards others turning against you, someone lied against you which others believed and you’re not given the opportunity to defend yourself, barrage of spiritual attacks you cannot explain, those you love suddenly distancing from you for no good reason, feeling lonely and discouraged, praying and fasting but God seem so far from you with no answer to your prayers, and so on.

Listen, going through the Valley of Baca is never a good feeling. But you know what? You’re not alone in that valley (Daniel 3). The Psalmist declares, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You O God are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:8). The Valley of Baca is a refining crucible designed by God to prune those who are ready to fulfill their divine mandate here on earth. Hear me, the nature and degree of the assignment that God has predetermined for your destiny play a major role in the kind of fiery trials you go through in life. Remember, the same fire that turns raw crude to Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also turns the same crude to Aviation Fuel, but this occurs at a higher degree of temperature. Therefore, “Do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-14).

You should know that every trial has an expiry date. The trial you’re going through right now is not permanent. It’s a matter of time, and it will fizzle out. What should be your utmost concern is: How am I being changed by what I am going through? Is there wisdom to learn from this present situation or circumstance? As they say, “Adversity has advantage.” Yes, the problem we encounter in life is not meant to make us bitter, but better. How better off or worse off you become in the face of trials is your choice (Acts 16:25-26). Beloved, I don’t know the contradiction you’re faced with right now. The Lord said I should tell you that whatever you’re going through right now is working for your good (Romans 8:28). You may not understand it, but when the glory is revealed, it will make a huge sense to you. Then you will say, thank you Lord, for allowing me to go through this. As a believer, you’ll not grow in faith and mature to a degree in stature until you pass through certain trials of life. Apostle James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4).

There’s a saying that, “A tea bag is worth nothing until it has gone through the hot water.” Yes, that’s true. I have never seen anyone making Lipton Tea in cold water. It won’t come out nice. Indeed, your very best comes out through the fiery furnace of fire. It’s when you go through the fire of life that you try your wings. As we know, the eagles soar with the storm. This doesn’t just come naturally for the eagles until they have been through some training. The mother eagle takes the young eaglets through some rigorous training. Those who survive the training are the ones that soar through the storm. Remember, “If you faint in the day of adversity your strength is small” (Proverbs 24:10). Therefore, you must learn to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10). God will always make adequate provisions that will take you through the Trial Training Institute (TTI). The Lord determines the course curriculum for each individual. He knows the courses – trials – you can or cannot handle in the institute. Therefore, he sets the boundaries of what your adversary – the devil – can or cannot throw against you (Job 1:6-12). Irrespective of whatever you’re going through right now, be of good cheer (John 16:33). The Lord is with you (Deuteronomy 31:8).

Beloved, as I round off, just know that we serve a Mighty God, He is Jehovah El Saboath – the Lord of Hosts – and the Mighty Man in battle. He said in Isaiah 43:1-3, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Remember, Jesus faced the same fiery trials. He was misunderstood, misconstrued, and maltreated by those He loved and came to save. “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve: Do you also want to go away” (John 6:66-67). This happened when Jesus spoke about eating his flesh and drinking his blood. Unfortunately, many of his followers deserted him immediately, and stopped following him. Now, while hanging on the cross, Jesus felt so forsaken, and He cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me” (Mark 15:33-34; Matthew 27:45-47). Jesus went through hell. Listen, God cannot use an untested vessel. Until you have been tested, tried, and proven worthy before the Lord, He cannot entrust with His true riches. “For blessed is the man that endures temptation: For when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him” (James 1:12). Hallelujah! Have a Blessed and Fantastic Week. With love, Elvis!