Through the Valley: Five-Day Bible Plan With Pamela JohnsonSample

Day Two: The Fruit of Humility

The valley of suffering is teeming with trails. Some are forged by our own sin or the sin of others. Others meander through the landscape of briars in our broken world. Yet often, the steep and stressful path we find ourselves on is God working out his will, not only in our life, but in the lives of others.

Years ago, a few disgruntled members in our small church decided that our only pastor was not meeting their expectations. There were no spiritual or moral issues, just their demand of him meeting a myriad of needs. They didn’t suggest sharing the load with their shepherd. Instead, they asked him to step down from his ministerial position.

Rather than becoming bitter, this dismissed man humbly chose to stay within our congregation where he felt God had called him. Though not easy, he was always sensitive to the pastors that followed, to serve at their requests. The small group of discontented people found other reasons to be unhappy and eventually left the flock. 

Transitioning from preacher to contractor, the former pastor excelled at building custom homes in the area. His reputation as a kind, generous and honest builder was well-known among the locals as he blessed many people with beautiful and well-constructed homes. In the meantime, he continued to fervently pray and minister as a mentor within the same membership. 

God opened up a variety of opportunities to serve as the church responded to the many needs in the community. It wasn’t long before their numbers increased so much that the church outgrew their modest building.  Overwhelmingly, the congregation mutually agreed it was time to expand and build a new facility. They didn't have to look far to find the contractor God had already prepared for the job. 

We can be at peace and know that 1 Peter 5:6 is a trustworthy promise; our Father is working out our suffering for his glory. Not long after the new church was built, their numbers increased seven-fold.

Prayer: Dear Father, help me to humbly accept the road of suffering in my life. Your refiner's fire brings me joy and strengthens my faith knowing it is for my good and your glory.