Valley Dwellers Testify - Rev. Grace Reyes
“I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness,
And will hold Your hand;
I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people,
As a light to the Gentiles,
7 To open blind eyes,
To bring out prisoners from the prison,
Those who sit in darkness from the prison house.
8 I am the LORD, that is My name;
And My glory I will not give to another,
Nor My praise to carved images.
9 Behold, the former things have come to pass,
And new things I declare;
Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
We all face challenges—some big, some small—but the Bible offers powerful tools to help us become overcomers.
Understanding the Valleys
• “First, let’s define what we mean by valleys. These are the tough seasons in life: loss, uncertainty, stress, or even just feeling stuck. The good news? God’s Word reminds us that valleys are part of the journey but never the final destination.” The best example we just had was in the book of Job. We completed with Rev. Maulin Vanderburgh that wonderful series of how Job was able to overcome a situation and heartbreak even though he was a righteous man.
Key Verse: Isaiah 42:1
Even though the Lord may delight in us, even though we enjoy being a powerful vessel for the Lord, even though we could be like Job, we are not exempt from suffering, sometimes we must understand the trial in order to understand why we may be facing it.
Takeaway: “Valleys are temporary, and God walks with us through them. His presence brings comfort and guidance.”
• Action Step: “Take a moment this week to reflect on a past valley in your life. How did God guide or comfort you? Write it down as a reminder of His faithfulness.”
Segment 2: Leaning on God’s Strength
• “One of the hardest parts of facing trials is feeling like we have to handle it all on our own. But Isaiah 41:10 tells us: ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’”
Takeaway: “Strength to overcome doesn’t come from within; it comes from God. When we feel weak, He is strong.”
• Action Step: “Start each day with a simple prayer: ‘God, I need Your strength today. Guide me and uphold me.’ Make this a daily habit.” Psalm is a great prayer of protection upon you and your family.
Segment 3: Finding Joy in Trials
• “It sounds counterintuitive, but James 1:2-4 says: ‘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.’”
Takeaway: “God uses trials to refine us. They’re opportunities for growth, even if they’re painful.”
• Action Step: “Keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down three things you’re thankful for, even if they’re small. Gratitude shifts our perspective.”
Segment 4: Trusting God’s Plan
• “When life feels uncertain, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’”
Takeaway: “Trusting God allows us to let go of anxiety and rest in His plan, even when we don’t understand it.”
• Action Step: “Memorize this verse. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause and recite it to yourself as a grounding reminder.”
The Importance of Community
• “We’re not meant to face life’s valleys alone. Galatians 6:2 says: ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.’”
Takeaway: “Community is essential. God often works through others to support and encourage us.”
• Action Step: “Reach out to a trusted friend, mentor, or small group this week. Share what you’re going through and invite them to pray with you.”
Hope for the Future
• “Finally, let’s focus on the hope we have. Romans 8:18 offers this powerful perspective: ‘I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.’”
Takeaway: “The valleys we walk through now are temporary, but God’s promises are eternal.”
• Action Step: “Take time this week to visualize God’s promises for your future. Meditate on His faithfulness and the eternal hope we have in Christ.”
Practical Tools for the Journey
• “Here are some practical tools to help you stay grounded in faith as you navigate life’s valleys:”
1. Daily Prayer: Begin your day with intentional time in prayer, asking for strength and guidance.
2. Scripture Memorization: Focus on one verse each week that resonates with your current season.
3. Gratitude Practice: Write down three things you’re thankful for each day to shift your mindset.
4. Journaling: Use a journal to process your thoughts and document how God is working in your life.
5. Set Small Goals: Identify one actionable step each week to deepen your trust in God.
Remember this: valleys are part of life, but they’re not the whole story. God is with you, refining you, and leading you to a place of hope and restoration. Trust Him, lean on His Word, and take one step at a time.”
"I can speak from my valley here:
My husband fell and broke 4 ribs and fractured 4 bones in his lumbar. I was a week before my 5th anniversary luncheon which many attended. He was in a regular room trying to recover, and on Thanksgiving Day, his oxygen levels dropped to 80%. This alarmed the doctors, and he was put in ICU where he remained until last Saturday, December 10th, then put in a regular room until they discharged him this Thursday, December 12th.
The ordeal began on November 22nd and lasted until December 12th. They had to give him blood transfusions because he was bleeding internally, had a punctured lung from the broken ribs, and so on and so forth. My son was in the ER on Friday, December 6th, suffering from sickness. I remember only what the Lord had shown me. I had just finished the two-part series with Rev. Maulin on Job… I believe now that the research that I had to do prepared me spiritually for the trial I was going to face.
God will prepare us for the storms. Are you listening? Are you praying and strengthening your mind in the word?"
This was the verse the Lord gave me, “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.” So, get into the word and get your verse an memorize it and speak to your situation with it in hand, speak to the enemy when he tries to rock you with one trial after another. You will become like I and Valley Dweller with a Testimony!