Rev. A.J. Ogden

One thing is for sure, there is one school no one would desire to attend, and that is probably the one man needs most. I personally have learned more in the valley of trouble and difficulty than on any mountain of ease. Probably Joseph would tell you, “I had it hard on my journey from the pit to the palace, but God was teaching me all along and preparing me.”

God never promised all ease and no pain, that is life. If Jesus had to bear the old rugged cross, there must be one for you and me to bear. In the midst of Job’s suffering, sadness, and extreme troubles he simply said in Job 13:15, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” No wonder God gave him four times more in the end than he had in the beginning. Yes, there may be sickness, sorrow, and death, but God is deeper than my valleys, stronger than my adversities and bigger than all my problems put together.

Jesus Christ must be weeping right now because most Americans are ashamed to confess Him before men, feel no obligation to win a soul or support missionaries who take the word to a dying world. What a shame!

Little do most of we Americans know that sin is our biggest problem and he will not look upon sin with any degree of allowance. Repentance is the answer. You are a sinner.

Yes, we do have our valleys, and adversity is a good teacher. But some of our troubles are unnecessary and we should not have to go through them! Some of our troubles are self inflicted. The consequences of sin are death, Hell, and torment forever. But you could get forgiveness for sin and avoid Hell! Why don’t you? Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death (meaning Hell), but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus (Christ our Lord).”