I was teaching my Sunday School class about joy yesterday. We talked about the mountains and valleys of the Christian life. We were discussing the fact that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians while in prison. I know that we know that, but we don't often meditate on the fact that Philippians is one of the most upbeat, encouraging epistles in the Scriptures. Paul seemed so happy to be there, in prison, chained to guards who were themselves captive audiences for Paul to share the Gospel.
Suffering is real, and so many of the ladies in my class are truly suffering. However, how great would it be, if they could learn to see suffering the way Paul did? What if we could truly see suffering as an opportunity to grow and serve. Mountain-top experiences are great, and we sure had one this past week during our missions conference. But, so often, the life-changing experiences are in the valleys. Oh God! Let us see You, walking beside us in those dark valleys!
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