Dark Valley

“Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side.” Psalm 23:4

A very close friend of ours passed away suddenly, leaving her family and friends devastated. I cannot imagine a darker valley to pass through for the husband and children she left behind. But the Shepherd I know can give grace beyond measure, and consolations beyond understanding for the weary soul. Sometimes the Lord works miracles in dark valleys. 

The life of Elizabeth Elliot is a testament to this. Her husband Jim Elliot was one of a team of five missionaries attempting to evangelize the savage Auca Indians in Ecuador. All five were killed with spears on the Curaray River while trying to befriend the Indians. 

One would think Elisabeth Elliot would run as far away from the place her husband was brutally murdered. Instead she, with her young daughter Valerie, spent two years as a missionary amongst those same Indians, sometimes living in their huts, eating their food, and learning their language and their ways. 

She wrote, “We have proved beyond any doubt that He means what he says-His grace is sufficient – nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We pray that if any, anywhere, are fearing that the cost of discipleship is too great, they may be given a glimpse of that treasure in heaven promised to all who forsake.”

Yes, we can trust God through any dark valley.