Achan sinned. He coveted what was to be set aside for the Lord and he stole what was not his. Because of his actions, Israel was defeated in their next battle. Old Testament judgment demanded stoning. So Achan, his family, his livestock were all stoned. Then burned and buried to appease the wrath of God. The name of that place was called the Valley of Achor or the Valley of Trouble. (Joshua 7:19-26)
Now please remember we have a New Covenant with God. Because of the atoning works of Jesus, who was our propitiation, God’s wrath has been appeased. God is no longer angry with us. Spiritually we are right with God. We are forgiven. (I John 2:2, Romans 3:25)
But nevertheless, our actions still may have earthly consequences. We may sometime make a mistake and find ourselves in the Valley of Achor. Have you ever found yourself in the Valley of Trouble?
Lost a job? Caught speeding? Made a financial mistake? Unwed & pregnant? Caught cheating? Have you ever faced trouble because of your actions or the actions of others? Take heart! God has promised, He will take us from the Valley of Trouble to a Door of Hope.
Your getting “caught” may seem like trouble but perhaps it’s God’s mercy leading you to the desert to remind you He loves you; He is your Provider. God’s harsh treatment of Achan reminded Israel not to covet the gods of the nations they were about to encounter. Not to covet their gold and silver because the Lord God almighty was their provider. The Valley of trouble served as a reminder to put our Hope in God.
Similarly, our trouble, while unpleasant can be used to demonstrate God’s mercy. The prophet Hosea declared God will use our Valley of Achor to give us a door of Hope, to remind us of His love. God wants to use our trouble to instill the child like faith we once had. He wants us to believe that despite the mistakes we have made, He is still our champion.
Are you in a valley of trouble this morning? Hear God whispering in your ear, “l love you, my child.” Feel His comfort. He is in the valley with you. Open you eyes and see Hope. Allow the Holy Spirit to restore child like faith. Your journey through the valley is temporary. Walk through the gateway and into hope.
“There I will give her vineyards back to her and make the Valley of Achor into a gateway of hope. There she will respond as she did in the days of her youth, as in the day she came out of the land of Egypt.”
Hosea 2:15 CSB
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