Valleys: Find Courageous Conviction in Life’s LowsSample

Facing Your Battles with Courage and Conviction

You know the moments in your life that have shaped who you are and where you are going? If you’re anything like me, at least a few of them occurred when we felt stuck somewhere we didn’t want to be. That’s how valleys often feel — like our circumstances, insecurities, or fears trap us.

I have good news for us both. The Bible has a lot to say about the valleys we find ourselves in—and with that, a vision for choosing to stay when things get hard. One of my favorite examples of this is the story of Deborah and Jael. They both stand their ground in the Valley of Kishon to defeat the enemy. Both women could have avoided conflict, but instead, they show us how to step forward with courage and confidence.

At a time when all of Israel was self-destructing, Deborah stood out as an exemplary judge, and Jael is named “most blessed of women” (Judges 5:24). Deborah, the only woman to serve in judgeship over the nation of Israel, led God’s people with wisdom and courage. In addition to her national influence, Deborah held the unique function of both fiery judge and authoritative prophet—speaking on behalf of God.3 Similar to a king or queen, Deborah directed the military, too. Deborah was not God’s plan B. She was an indispensable asset, chosen by God to lead.

Jael secures the victory in a battle between God’s people and their enemy, the Canaanites. How? She drives a tent peg through the skull of Sisera, the Canaanite’s army commander. Yup. Jael is like the Proverbs 31 woman meets Wonder Woman or a Wakandan Dora Milaje. As the most blessed of women, Jael’s example should help us all broaden our perspective of what a godly woman looks like. Yes, God honors and celebrates the meek and mild who are devoted to him. But he also honors and celebrates women like Jael, getting their hands dirty with initiative-taking power moves as they advocate for God’s people by battling in the valley.

Valleys can be fertile ground, like the Promised Land of Eshkol, and a battleground––places where our faith and confidence in God are tested and can flourish. Maybe you need to hear that. The places of testing in your life are not all good or all bad. The tension you and I hold when we are in a valley of testing is enough to strain anyone’s faith muscles. But remember: The exercise of faith and doubt strengthens your faith.

What I hope to carry with me the next time I need to face a spiritual fight is that God is not only with me but going before me into battle. I suspect you and I both long for more courage and conviction in a valley of testing. We are in this together, and our victorious God is ahead of us, leading the way, making a path forward, and securing our victory.

Prayer: God, I confess that sometimes I want to ignore the spiritual battles before me. Help me to know when to fight, when to be still, and when to ask for help. I want to be shaped by the courage and conviction that can only come from you. In Jesus’ name, Amen