Depths and Heights

I once heard an incredible speaker who said: “The depths of the valleys we walk are in direct correlation to the heights that God wants to take us to” (Graham Cooke).

I remember being impacted by this, as I was walking in a particularly deep, dark valley at the time. I remember being encouraged that this valley might be an indication of where God wanted to take me. 

However, as time passed, I learned that I cannot use this as a bargaining chip. A life of surrender doesn’t mean that I get to claim my ‘heights’. Just because I’ve done my time in the valleys doesn’t mean that I’m now entitled to ‘the good life’. 

There is a Hollywood mindset that can overtake us as we are convinced that ‘our day will come’. We’ve woven ‘making it’ or ‘success’ into a perverted understanding of blessing, when it is really just the epitome of an empty, worldly construct of fame and fortune. 

There are some who are called into the world of fame and fortune because that is where God is taking them to partner in his Kingdom. Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t an easy world; it is made entirely of plastic and emptiness. And yet it seems to be something we strive for as believers. We want to be known, be seen, feel important, or valued by others. For some reason being known, seen and valued by God is not enough for us. 

I have come to understand that these valley seasons are not an indication of the physical height he will take me. They are not a plastic promise of wealth or things ‘going my way’. It’s a promise of new heights that can be reached with God - new parts of himself that he wants to show me, new aspects of his character that he wants me to represent. It’s new ideas and plans that he wants to share and partner in with me. 

Rising to heights like eagles is a lonely, isolated place. It’s not a crowded room with people cheering you on. You are in a place of solitude that others may never make it to. But it is the place of the greatest perspective, the greatest views, the greatest currents and the greatest blessing. 

Take time today to check the heart for any sense of entitlement, or deals you’re trying to make with God. Make sure the motives of the heart are pure and pursuing the things God would have for us - not the things of the world.