I thought I would do another blog from Pilgrim’s Progress. There is so much good material in the book that it is hard to pass up an opportunity to write something on it.
The blog will be on the Valley of Humiliation. As we shall learn, we’ve all been here, some of us are still, and others are heading straight for it. The Christian life while no less difficult and challenging at times, having the testimonies of others and the biblical narrative itself helps to keep us focused on the Lord and the Spirit’s guidance.
The Valley of Humiliation was a major part of Christian’s journey to the Celestial City. Christian’s experience while here largely deals with the struggles we all face as Christians. It was treacherous terrain, with a treacherous encounter challenging his faith and grit. No doubt many can relate. It takes faith and grit to live out our lives under the watchful and caring eye of our God and Saviour and press on as Paul would say towards the mark.
Another important piece that can’t be overlooked is that Christian did not go alone. He had the company of – Discretion, Piety, Charity, and Prudence who went with him into the Valley. They “reiterated some of their former discourses till they came to go down the Hill.” A word of encouragement can go a long way in helping us through the tough times. The lesson here is easy, when the dark storms of life overshadow us being reminded of the precious promises of God gives us hope and clarity of mind and heart as we press on.
Christian hadn’t been long in this journey through the Valley before he ran into a common enemy known to us all – “a foul Fiend” – whose name was Apollyon. He asks Christian: “Whence come you, and whither are you bound?” Christian explains to him where he just came from and where he was heading. Apollyon says to Christian to turn back to him and his old ways, and things will be better for him. Christian’s response to this should be considered by all the people of God – “I have given him my Faith and sworn my Allegiance to him. How then can I go back from this, and not be hanged as a traitor?”
The proverbial fork in the road, which path will you take? I have seen far too many over 32 years start out right but once the descend into the Valley of Humiliation they turn back. The Christian life is presented by many as a perfect blissful life, with all kinds of perks and benefits “fitting for this life” but know little of the perseverance and fortitude it takes to keep running the race WELL!
A short time later, a battle ensues between Christian and Apollyon. Christian resorted to divine armor and held off the foul fiend fending off the fiery darts of the wicked one. Christian was mighty with his use of the “two-edged sword” in fighting and wounding Apollyon. “When the battle was over, Christian said, I will here give Thanks to him that hath delivered me out t of the mouth of the Lion, to him that did help me against Apollyon.
1 Peter 5:8-9 Warns and instructs us to – Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world, The adversary to Christ’s church is not to be trifled with. The fiery dart varies including, doubt (consider Eve and how Satan got her to question God’s word), fear, lust, hatred, anger, pride, selfishness etc. These arrows come from out of nowhere and come suddenly hence the reason we must be sober and vigilant.
Christian chooses wisely and presses on his journey towards, yet another Valley called The Valley of the Shadow of Death.
Some key observations:
- The Valley of Humiliation is a valley of humility teaching us about our own weakness and dependence on the power and might of Christ. Ephesians 6:10
- There is a spiritual warfare this is seen in Christian’s battle with Apollyon. Spiritual armor is needed for spiritual battles. Ephesians 6:12
- The Perseverance of Christian is a testimony to us all in how to handle adversity in its varied forms. 2 Timothy 4:7
While you may at times feel fear, be discouraged and doubting know that wherever you are Christ is and wherever Christ is there is comfort and peace. While we fail for faith and strength, we can turn to the one who is our strength and hope. Carry on for Christ Christian soldiers. 1 Corinthians 15:58
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