dennis j adams

There are different places it would seem that people find themselves in. The “valley” is one of them and most certainly is not a place one would desire to stay. Joel talks about the Valley of Decision (Joel 3:13-15) and it is not described as a wonderful place. To often will a person find themselves there during their walk with the Lord. It is a place of decision and loneliness. Where questions are asked of the heart by the tenant, yourself. This valley is not inviting but necessary to the molding of the character of each individual. The “Valley of Decision” can  be located anywhere at anytime…. Everyone comes to the place of decisions and must get alone with God. This is where a breakthrough will happen and when you finally make the decision you will walk out of the valley. (2 Samuel 5:17-21) Entering into this Vally of Decision is the beginning of a crushing inwardly and a spiritual inventory is taken. Looking into the heart and searching out the proper answer. It seems that the Lord is far away but He is near, waiting for you to decide. Patiently waiting for your character to be shaped into what He can use for His glory on this earth. Days upon days even into weeks this valley becomes your home in your hearts mind.

You begin to worship and pray before a Holy God asking for direction but the decision is yours! You call upon counselors and friends to help you decide, but the decision continues to be yours. You own the decision. There in the depths of this valley you continue to march along waiting for what? Waiting for the heart to speak and when it does there is a freedom and sense of companionship that infiltrated your spirit. This time belongs to you and many have traveled it path before you. All not ever desiring to return but also realizing what it had done to their character. The stay had brought a certain maturity and security to their heart and a courage to move forward in what had been decided. He, the Lord never leaves you nor forsakes you during this time!

Jesus, Himself, spent time in this valley! Its location was the Garden of Gethsemane. He came to the garden and ask His disciples to wait as He went a little further to pray. It was then He entered the valley and was confronted with His humanity which had to make a decision. His answer came after prayer and worship. It came in a sentence that secured a surrender of all that He became on this earth and His character was finalized for His purpose and destiny. (Matthew 26:38-40) This decision changed the course of mankind for eternity and it was made by Jesus alone in His place. Many tried to stop His decision even His own will but he desired the Father’s will above His own.

Moving in and out of this valley can be as comfortable as life with all its blessings. It is when you are there that it gets difficult and uncomfortable. Don’t be hasty in making the decision! Wait on your heart and allow your character to be molded into what God has planned for you. Wait on the Lord and again I say wait. (Psalm 27:14)

Dennis

Remember prayer moves the Hand of God.