I was listening to a sermon from my Pastor one day and the topic of the study was “unmet expectations.” We were looking at Matthew 11:1-11 when John the Baptist is in prison and has sent his disciples to speak to Jesus.
John’s disciples ask Jesus,
“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
My Pastor explained that John would have been in a place of confusion and disillusionment at this point. He had thought that when the Messiah came along He would get John out of prison. This left John feeling unsure as to why Jesus wasn’t “coming to the rescue” if He was the Messiah they had all been waiting for. Jesus wasn’t acting in the way that John thought He would and so he was questioning who Jesus was and the power He had.
This got me thinking about the different times in our own lives when we question God within our circumstances. There can be some really painful experiences to go through in life and it’s inevitable that at some point in our walk with the Lord, we will find ourselves asking questions. We can come to a place of wondering if God is still good and how He could possibly be glorified through this heartache and sorrow.
My Pastor went on to highlight a truth which I’ve learned through my own trials and painful seasons. When God’s ways are a complete mystery to us and we find ourselves in the midst of difficult times, Jesus is no less Messiah than when things are going exactly as we would want them to go. He is God of the valley just as much as He is God of the mountaintop. Our current situation does not change who God is.
It was these thoughts that inspired me to write my poem, “God Of The Valley.” I pray that the honest process I go through in these verses can be a real help and encouragement for anyone who may be in a place of wondering where God is within their circumstances. Please know dear Christian, if you are in a dark and difficult time right now, Jesus is right there with you. He is God of the valley and He will faithfully guide you and see you through.
How easily the spirit sings the praises of the LordJohn’s disciples ask Jesus,
“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?”
My Pastor explained that John would have been in a place of confusion and disillusionment at this point. He had thought that when the Messiah came along He would get John out of prison. This left John feeling unsure as to why Jesus wasn’t “coming to the rescue” if He was the Messiah they had all been waiting for. Jesus wasn’t acting in the way that John thought He would and so he was questioning who Jesus was and the power He had.
This got me thinking about the different times in our own lives when we question God within our circumstances. There can be some really painful experiences to go through in life and it’s inevitable that at some point in our walk with the Lord, we will find ourselves asking questions. We can come to a place of wondering if God is still good and how He could possibly be glorified through this heartache and sorrow.
My Pastor went on to highlight a truth which I’ve learned through my own trials and painful seasons. When God’s ways are a complete mystery to us and we find ourselves in the midst of difficult times, Jesus is no less Messiah than when things are going exactly as we would want them to go. He is God of the valley just as much as He is God of the mountaintop. Our current situation does not change who God is.
It was these thoughts that inspired me to write my poem, “God Of The Valley.” I pray that the honest process I go through in these verses can be a real help and encouragement for anyone who may be in a place of wondering where God is within their circumstances. Please know dear Christian, if you are in a dark and difficult time right now, Jesus is right there with you. He is God of the valley and He will faithfully guide you and see you through.
When life is running smoothly, with all in one accord.
How readily our voices lift to glorify His name.
We stand upon the mountaintop, His goodness to proclaim!
Giving thanks, we raise our hands with joyful declarations
But what about the darker times of unmet expectations?
The seasons when it’s hard to see the purpose in our pain.
When tribulations seem to put His Sovereignty to shame.
The times of unemployment or devastating news,
When failing health or money woes are not what we would choose.
When dealing with the terror of a negative prognosis,
Or heartache for a loved one with a crushing diagnosis.
To read that God is mighty, unlimited in power,
Yet fail to see His healing hand at work this very hour!
We know that He could cure within the blinking of an eye
So cannot grasp why God is not responding to our cry!
The wrenching pain of sickness as it steadily advances
Can have us ask, “Is God still good?” within these circumstances.
To feel that years of life have now been stolen by the locusts,
Or hours spent in tearful prayer appear to go unnoticed.
When overwhelmed by sorrow with weeping by a grave,
Our soul cries out for answers and why Jesus didn’t save!
We can’t begin to comprehend the meaning of this story,
How any of this heartache could bring God an ounce of glory.
Our spirit shouts, “Where are You Lord amid this dark confusion?”
And disappointment leads the mind to incorrect conclusions.
Deciding God’s abandoned us or simply doesn’t care,
Reckoning His power couldn’t reach or help us there.
Filled with disillusionment, our expectation shatters.
As bitter accusations flow, our faith is left in tatters.
So where can broken spirits go in times we feel alone?
Dear Christian, there’s no better place than right before God’s Throne!
Our God is not offended when we wrestle with His plans
But know that He is in control and Jesus understands.
He fully comprehends our pain and fathoms all our fear.
So close is Christ in times of woe, He bottles every tear.
When circumstances baffle us and bring us to despair,
The best thing we can do is turn to Jesus Christ in prayer!
For He is still Messiah! A truth for us to keep.
He’s God of every mountaintop and God of valleys deep!
Our tribulations do not change the status of our King!
Oh may we find forgiveness when we try to box Him in.
When Jesus hasn’t “saved the day” or acted as we thought,
This is where we must recall, He’s God and we are not.
There’s merciful protection in all that He ordains.
God is no less loving and His faithfulness remains.
Our limited perspective won’t reveal, by any means
The intricately detailed work God does behind the scenes.
Let us rest in knowing that our prayers are not in vain.
If we could see what Jesus sees then we would do the same.
Regardless of our circumstance, He’s worthy of our praise
And blesséd is the one who’s not offended by His ways.
His thoughts are not like our thoughts so do not doubt His might.
Remember what the Scriptures say, “We walk by faith, not sight.”
We do not have His wisdom, we’d find it too profound.
We have to trust our Father’s plan and stand on solid ground.
Oh help us in those moments Lord, to rest in Christ, Divine.
Help our broken spirit cry, “Yet not my will but Thine!”
It costs us Lord! It costs us to relinquish and release,
Yet only in surrender is there any hope of peace.
Oh may we reconcile this thought, though trials might be painful;
He never takes His eyes away. Our God is ever faithful.
Let any doubt that counters this be cast off to the side.
Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom will always keep His Bride.
Satan may discourage for there is no tactic older.
The devil’s used this many times to take down Christian soldiers!
Robbed of our salvation, no but weakened and depleted.
A child of God departed is a child of God defeated!
Turn no ear to Satan, give his lies no traction.
Do not grant the enemy an ounce of satisfaction!
Let walls of disappointment fall as we take up the fight.
May barricades of bitterness be torn down left and right!
Recognise the battle, see it for what it is.
We’re part of Jesus’ army and the victory is His!
Strengthened by our Mighty God, climb dear Christian, climb!
Let nothing stop our witness for we must redeem the time.
The God of every valley will help us pass this test.
He’ll lead us through the mire into glorious success!
And when we find ourselves once more beside a loved one’s grave,
Remember Christ upon the Cross and know that He did save!
He broke the chains of sin and death so though our heart is vexed,
Christ bought our soul’s redemption, not in this life but the next!
Focus not on trials nor their purposes concealed
But turn once more to Jesus, knowing all will be revealed!
Trust the Rock of Ages and cling to what is true.
He answers every prayer and with eternity in view!
Oh God forbid the enemy can make us drop our Sword.
Onwards Christian warrior, in service to our Lord!
Job 1:20-22
“Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.”
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.”
Jeremiah 32:17
"Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You."
Isaiah 59:1
"Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened,
That it cannot save;
Nor His ear heavy,
That it cannot hear."
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."
1 Peter 1:3-9
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honour, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.”
Ephesians 6:10-20
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”
If you would like to watch or listen to the sermon, “Unmet Expectations” by Pastor Alwyn Wall, please follow the link below.
https://youtu.be/hyUJvthac0A
Download a PDF of this poem to keep and share