Evelyn Mason Wells: Faithful and Good
This is the final Bible study in the “He Is…” series. Thank you for joining me in studying some of the facets of our faithful and good God. Join me in December, when we will look at a devotion and a short story. I wish each one of you a blessed Thanksgiving Day.
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.
~Psalm 121:1-2 ESV
The top of the mountain is where we all want to live. Not some kind of “pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by” existence, but a life lived on the mountaintop of God’s leading, a place where we know that we are living in God’s will and following His direction for our lives. This is a place where we can trust Him. We love living here. Most of us, I believe, would prefer to dwell there permanently.
God will not let us do that, because we need the valleys; the valleys are where we learn to depend on God. Our valleys teach us things we need to learn. Through our battles, large and small, we learn to stand strong. We learn to lean on God and not give up when we’re diagnosed with a serious illness or disease, when we lose someone we love, or when our world turns upside down. We also learn to trust Him when life gets too stressful, too busy, or too out of control. The valley is where we live the majority of our life. We do not want to be there, but that is where He has us live, as we learn to depend on Him. He wants us to learn to trust Him.
Through our battles, large and small, we learn to stand strong. We learn to lean on God and not give up.
~Evelyn Mason Wells, contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships
However, there are lessons to be learned on the mountaintop, as well. We begin to discern the direction in which God wants to lead us. This is where we begin to enjoy Jesus and to build our relationship with Him. Studying His word and taking time to pray no longer are things we just try to get through. Our Bible study and prayer become joyful, as we learn to communicate with God out of thanksgiving and praise. As we begin to discern the direction in which He wants us to take, we are encouraged about the possibilities He has in store for us.
On the mountaintop we learn to be ourselves. We no longer need to pretend. Nor do we have to hide behind a facade anymore, and we are no longer insecure in our testimony. We learn that no one can define who we are in Christ Jesus – only God can define us. He allows us the freedom to become who He created us to be before the foundation of the world.
On the mountaintop we learn to love. When we finally realize just how much God loves us, we can reach out to others in love and service. We are His hands and His feet here on earth. God has placed us here to be His ambassadors, so we can draw others to Him through the love we show to them. On the mountaintop we learn that no matter what lies ahead, we are safe in Him. We can trust in Jesus alone. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” God is faithful, and He is good.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
~Proverbs 3:5 NKJV
On the mountaintop we learn that God will show us how to live in the valley. He teaches us that we cannot always live on the mountaintop, because we learn the hard things in the valleys of our lives. On the mountaintop we learn the lessons which bring joy in the journey.
Can you think of other lessons God teaches us in the valleys and mountaintops of our lives?
Gracious God, You are my Rock and my Salvation. I am grateful that You love me enough to teach me Your lessons through the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Continue to teach me while I dwell in the valleys of life, and let me find joy on the mountaintop.
In the sweet name of Jesus, Amen.
Genre: Non-Fiction
Copyright 2020: Faithful and Good: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved
Meet Our Contributor
EVELYN MASON WELLS
Evelyn Mason Wells is a Bible study and devotion writer for VineWords: Devotions and More. She is a contributing author to Love Knots: Stories of Faith, Family, and Friendships (VineWords Publishing).
She is an award-winning author who has contributed to Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character (2019 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Glimmers of Heavenly Light (Faith Books & More), Let the Earth Rejoice (Worthy Inspired), Breaking the Chains (2018 Selah finalist, Lighthouse Bible Studies), Just Breathe (Worthy/Ellie Claire), and Feed Your Soul with the Word of God (Lighthouse Bible Studies).
Evelyn is published at Refresh Bible Study Magazine and Christian Broadcasting Network.
Passionate about glorifying God through her writing and speaking, Evelyn enjoys spending time on short-term mission trips, both domestic and foreign.
Evelyn loves attending Bible studies, spiritual retreats, and having good conversation with friends over lunch or a glass of tea. She is an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves. She enjoys good books, her cats, traveling, and spending time with her family—especially her grandchildren.
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Great study Evelyn. Yes our mountaintops are great with the Lord and our valleys are able to be conquered with the Lord. Amen what a blessing.