When we go through tough situations, it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are out of the will of God. He is the same God on the mountain that He is in the valley. He never changes. There will be times in our lives when we experience the dirt of trouble. It is during our valley experiences that we discover aspects of the nature of God that we never would have known were we not there. He is the lily of the valley. David said that The Lord prepared a table for Him in the presence of his enemies. If our enemies are always avoided, then we might miss the table God has prepared for us. In order to have a mature outlook, we must learn to embrace the high places and the low places of our experience, because both are necessary. Nobody wants trouble. Sometimes it can cause us to discover what we professed we believe. In the time of trouble, God said He would hide us. We will never be a strong witness to the world if our lives are void of struggle. In contrast, I am a strong witness when others observe me go through some of the same challenges that others are facing, with hope, strength and confidence in God. I learn to praise him on the mountain and in the valley. Trouble is the crucible that molds us and shapes us into the very likeness, image and character of God. It can be an interesting present. It can fortify absolutes. Let the dirt of trouble work for you, so that you can know that you are more than a conqueror, through Christ who strengthens you!