When facing the difficult days that come our way, it helps to remember that our struggles are purposeful. God is at work in the dark valleys of life, and His ultimate purpose is to conform us to the image and likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Pain can be productive in that process. Sometimes, the results will be immediate, and we will notice how we have grown through a particular struggle. At other times, it may be a while before we know what God is up to in our lives.

But one thing is for sure, in the midst of the struggle, you can count on the fact that God will use it in some way to refine in us the image of Christ. In all likelihood, the struggles are temporary, but there is long-term, eternal benefit for those who face these challenges appropriately.

God can use your struggles to accomplish His purpose in you. It is wise to remember that He is at work in your valleys. God can use our doubt and depression. He is at work in our despair and discouragement.

First Peter 1:6-7 says, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold, though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”

In this life, there may be all kinds of financial struggles, relational struggles, emotional struggles, etc. God can use these things to grow us and to strengthen us. God is using the struggles and the valleys that you face to build your faith.

It is a fact that things grow best in the valley. That’s not only true for vegetation, it is true for you and me, as well. Looking back on my life, the times of greatest growth have been in the struggle, the tension and the valleys of life.

We love the mountaintops, but faith is developed in the valley. When everything is going great, you may feel like you don’t really need God. But when you come face to face with a dark valley, that’s when you look to God. It’s in these moments that He has our full and undivided attention.

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].