I recently led a retreat where we asked participants to do a “life map” of their lives. I asked them to draw mountains, plateaus, and valleys on a timeline, and to include a quick sentence or word explaining why. The mountains portrayed sweet, wonderful moments in life. They could be “God-moments”, “aha-moments”, or seasons that brought joy and delight.
The plateaus on the life map stood for seasons of peace and rest. This is where life is good, uneventful, and overall, enjoyable. I’m sure you don’t even need me to explain the valleys, but for clarification, the valleys conveyed difficult seasons, loss, grief, setbacks, and challenging times.
The most powerful part of our retreat was sharing our life maps with one another. There were tears, tissues, and did I say tears?! The valleys were the most challenging to share and as you could imagine, the most defining moments in one’s life. When I shared my life map with my group, I was in the valley at the time. Though it was a really hard and unwanted valley, I wasn’t without hope. Today, let’s talk about how to cling to hope in a difficult season.
God is with you in the difficult season.
One of the most comforting verses I rehearsed to my soul in my valley comes from Psalm 23:4. Scripture writes, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” I knew I wasn’t alone, despite feelings of loneliness. The enemy of your soul would love to trick you into believing you are on your own and the valley is for you to forge alone. Claim His presence. Talk to Him in the deep. Be completely honest and real to Him–there’s nothing to hide! Invite His presence into your ache. Allow the Holy Spirit to give you the dose of grace you need to keep going, each day, one step at a time.
Your story isn’t over.
Your story isn’t over because God is not done with you! After I had experienced my third miscarriage, I asked God, “Is this how it ends, God?” He answered me very clearly and said, “Shea, my story doesn’t end in death.” Immediately, I was reminded of Jesus and the resurrection. His plan is to always redeem, restore, and revive. It may not be how we imagined, how it’ll look, or in our timeline, but God’s plan always prevails. The valley isn’t the end of the story. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” In all things, in all seasons, God works for the good of those who love him! This hard and difficult valley is part of His good plan.
The difficult season won’t last forever.
I’m a Virginian, and we experience every bit of four seasons. It’s glorious! Fall is around the corner, but it’s hard to tell with the temperature at 98 degrees today! Just because it doesn’t feel like something new is around the corner, history tells me otherwise. Clinging to hope in a difficult season often looks like rehearsing to your heart and mind, “This will not last forever.” 1 Peter 5:10 declares, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” Suffering has an end. I’m thinking of my friend who just lost her young teenage son days ago, and to be honest, I don’t think I could muster the courage to say, “Your suffering has an end.” At least, I couldn’t say it to her anytime soon. The reality of pain, suffering, and difficult seasons is that there’s no real timeline. But I do know this: God is with us, His story doesn’t end in death, and whether on earth or in heaven, the valley won’t last forever.
One of the most beautiful “aha moments” from sharing our life maps with each other is that after a valley, a season of rest, and a mountain-top moment came. The valley doesn’t have the final say, and God doesn’t leave us there. From the valley, strength and steadfastness come. God is working in your heart to help you trust him more and grow your roots of faith deeper. His plan for your life is good, and He’s going to use you to bring about a beautiful plan of restoration and hope. Hang on, friend!
Let's pray ...
Father,
You are so good, even when I walk through the difficult seasons. I know you are with me, and I can fully trust and surrender to what you’re doing in and through me. If I am holding on to control, I release my grip. Be my compass when the night is too dark. Be my hope when hope feels too fragile to carry. Be my peace when fear creeps in. I know you have good plans for me, and I want to be a part of your story of redemption. Lead me tenderly and grow me into the person you’ve created me to become.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
What truth from today’s devotional is God using to encourage your heart? Share your reflection and join our conversation in the iBelieve Truth Devotional Forum.
Feel like digging a little deeper? Here is a wonderful resource to meet you right where you are. 5 Comforting Psalms for When We Worry: A Guided Reflection Journal
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/ Erik Witsoe
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Like what you hear? Be sure to follow I Wish You Could Hear This on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Thursday, 15 October 2026.
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