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Psalm 36:6 - Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. (NIV)

A recent trip to the United States took us through some very beautiful country. Some of our travels took us on very long and straight highways, with views of rivers and distant towns. Our favourite part, though, took us off the main highways and onto smaller winding roads that led us through the small towns and around and over some high mountains. During our week of travel, we had numerous vehicle problems that slowed us down for extended periods of time while they were fixed. For the down times, we had the bikes that we had brought with us, which we used to get us to stores to purchase car parts. We had plenty of sunshine, as well as rain and wind, and even some snow. In among all the trials of the car repairs, we had business appointments. Even with the delays, we were never late for an appointment, and always found a place to rest at night. That doesn't just happen by accident -- it happens through the intervention of our Father and the Holy Spirit.

I am writing this as we make the final day's journey home -- a trip that will take us about nine hours. The car repairs seem to be working, and the sun is shining. We are back on the long highways with the mountain tops in the distance as we travel through the valleys towards each one.

While we are here on earth, we know that we will travel through the valleys, and we will have trials. Some will seem to go on forever for us. We also know that there will be mountain-top experiences for us. But strangely, even while we are in the valleys, we can have mountain-top experiences if we allow the Lord to break through and shine His light into our situations. Our greatest spiritual growth can come from how we handle each of these experiences with deeper love for and trust in our Father.

James 1:2-3 - Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray for those who find themselves in a valley. Help them to remember their faithful Shepherd who will guide them through and show them how to overcome in Your strength. Help us to come alongside and show them how to look to You for peace and hope, despite their circumstances. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Julie Bowles