The God of the Mountain is still God in the Valley

Just wanted to share a few of my favorite verses that help me along my way and go along with the devotion below from my very good friend. Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice . Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests me made known unto God. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (Phil 4:4, 6, 8. 11. 12 & 13 KJV BIBLE)

Please enjoy the devotion from my very precious friend and one of my mentors! Jo has been battling cancer for the past few years and she has CHOSEN to have JOY and REJOICE in spite of her infirmities. She did not CHOOSE this journey. It was chosen for her. She never fails to lift the name Jesus and one of her motto’s that I have noticed along the way is “Choose Joy”. One of my all time favorite songs is The God on the Mountain is still God in the valley. How super fitting for life! I hope Jo’s devotion will inspire you! Please pray for my friend, Jo, as she begins another round of chemo this week.

WRITTEN BY JO CARTEE

We were so blessed this past several days to be able to make a trip to Franklin NC.  We headed out Wednesday morning to spend a few days in a house on the mountain.

We left home on a pretty smooth road but the further we went, we soon realized we were in the valley below the mountains. So we had to travel through that valley to get to the mountain top. The leaves were barely changing colors but there was beauty in them.  As we got closer to the mountain top house the prettier it was.

We were going to eat before going on up but someone 👋🏻 forgot to put the restaurant address in instead of the house, so we arrived at our road up to the house. Well we’ll just go on up and check it out right quick then go eat. 

Well, the rental company had told us the road to the driveway was a little tricky, just keep going don’t stop and try not to spin your tires.

Here we go. We start up the road and quickly found out what he was talking about😜

We bounced out of our seats, we spun, we bounced ( I’m talking bounce your head off) some more and we were not getting anywhere. Back up, try again. Bounce, spin…..so we finally just backed down, turned around and went on to eat knowing we’d have to have the car aligned when we got home.  Enjoyed dinner but now we have to do it again!

We looked back over the directions the rental company sent.

When you start up the road, put it in low gear and don’t stop!

Well I’ll be, that worked and we made it. We still bounced,  but nothing like the first time. We reached the paved drive and smooth driving to the house. We were now at the top of the mountain! And oh what a beautiful sight it was!  Only God can create such beauty!

Looking out over the mountains this past few days was like looking back over our life. We could see many mountains but also the valleys. They flow beautifully together. You can’t have one without the other. You’d just have flat land. 

Down in the valley you feel closed in and crowded by all of life’s circumstances . You have to look harder for the beauty.  But the mountain top is in the distance.

To get there you have to travel the road up. The road is not smooth. There are many bumps and ruts that you have to navigate through. The first try you may not make it up but you can’t give up. Just back up, take a break, read the directions then keep on going.

Even though you don’t think you’re going to make it, the bumps and ruts are going to tear you apart, you keep going. Read and follow  the directions that God gives. Soon you’re on that mountain top.

The mountain top is a beautiful place to be. You can look down and see the valley you just came through. You feel alive and free.

What you’ve learned in the valley and on the way up will be valuable for the rest of your life.

It’s through the valleys that we learns so much!

I’m so thankful for the valleys in our lives that have taught us so much. Mainly that no matter what we’re going through God is always going to be right beside us, holding us when we think we’re bouncing our heads off and spinning our wheels.

Guiding us up out of that valley and on up that mountain. If we’ll just take the time to follow his directions that are written out in the Bible, it makes the trip so much easier.

There are more valleys and mountains ahead but by the help and grace of God we’ll make it!!!

We just have to  follow Him!

10/9/22