Being forced into hard places gives us a whole new perspective on life.

Things we once valued no longer hold the same value.

Small things become big things, and what we once thought big no longer holds such importance.

These hard places allow us to identify with the sufferings of others.

It keeps us from having a shallow view of the hardships of others and allows us to truly identify with them.

Those who have walked in hard places immediately have a kinship with others who have walked there also.

They do not need to explain; they merely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience.

They know these hardships have worked a special thing in them.

It's as if the fact that having already faced the fear and walked through the fire gives comfort and strength to someone else now facing the fear and getting ready to walk through the fire.

These hardships lead to life in others because of the hard places God has taken them through.

It is impossible to appreciate any valley experience while you are in it.

However, once you have reached the top of the mountain, you are able to appreciate what terrain you have passed through.

You marvel at what you were able to walk through.

The valley of the shadow of death and all the fear it instills in us will yield more than you ever thought possible. 

Only God allows us to lay aside the sorrow, pain and fear it may have produced.

If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know.