The True Measure Of A Man’s Character Is In The Valley

“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so that you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” ~ Maya Angelou

It is very easy for some to give up and say, ‘that’s it! no more!’ when things are not going the way that they had anticipated. That is understandable, because not everyone can stand up to the test in times of adversity. Some persons tend to shrink back, to withdraw him/herself from among others, while they try to deal with the situation on their own. When faced with adversity, you are thrown into a valley. It gets very dark and cold in a place such as that. You go through varying emotions. You are tempted to throw in the towel and surrender to defeat.

But the ultimate measure of a man’s character is not when he/she is on the mountain top, but when they are in the valley. It may be easier said than done, but never despise your valley moments. Valleys are meant to shed un-neccesary loads, to rest, to replenish and rejuvinate one’s inner being. Valleys are meant to strengthen you, to help you to glow so that you can begin to grow into your true character. Valleys have a start time, and likewise, they have a time of expiration. Valleys are where your giants, who previously tried to enslave your mind, come to die.

God never intended for your valley to destroy you. The evidence of that promise can be found in scripture in Psalm 23:4 that says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.“

God’s grace will bring you through any storm of adversity. If it is not like that which has been promised to you, then, it is not the end!

The valley of adversity is meant to make you successful. For Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” When you come through the valley of adversity, you can be sure of one thing, you will not be the same person like when you first entered into it.

You will be better. You will be different. And looking back, you will be thanking God that He brought you through.

“Sometimes adversity is what you need in order to be successful.” ~ Zig Ziglar

Until next time, I bid you peace and blessings from my vacation destination and my home twin city Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis