The Way Up Is Down

but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. Philippians 2:7

Jerusalem was surrounded by walls, and one of the ways into it was through Valley Gate. When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls, we’re told: ‘The people…rebuilt Valley Gate’ (Nehemiah 3:13). In the Christian life there has to be a place for both ‘mountaintop experiences’ and ‘valley experiences’. Let’s take another look at a well-known Scripture: ‘They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles [that’s elevation]; they shall run, and not be weary [that’s acceleration]; and they shall walk, and not faint [that’s duration]’ (Isaiah 40:31). And when you don’t have the strength to do any of these things, Paul says, ‘Having done all…stand’ (Ephesians 6:13). There’s a season in your life for all these experiences and you must embrace it. The Bible says Jesus ‘took the humble position…Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor’ (vv. 7-9). Luke records that Jesus ‘took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them’ (Luke 24:30). Blessed and broken – that’s still God’s pattern. Why? So you can handle His blessings and remain humble. You’re in trouble when you’re more conscious of your image than of your need for God. That’s why He allows you to walk through situations that bring you to the place of utter dependence on Him. You have to be taken, blessed, and broken, before you can be given away in service to others. In God’s Kingdom the way up is down!

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the down times when all I can see is up – to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen