Pilgrim's Chapter 10: Valley of Humiliation

Stumbling forward and back, Christian tried to get used to the weight of his new armor...

Forward this Email to a Friend Valley of Humiliation Email 10 in a 16 part series on the 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. —Ephesians 6:13-17 [ESV] Stumbling forward and back, Christian tried to get used to the weight of his new armor. Watchful's daughters had fitted Christian with a metal suit to prepare him for the next stage of his journey. With one wide step, Christian began tumbling down the hill, and heard the words of Watchful's daughter echo after him: "It is difficult for anyone to go down to the Valley of Humiliation, and when they do, they must walk alone." He stood up, disoriented. Christian had just been encouraged by Watchful and his family that, as a son of the King, he would never walk alone. And yet, Christian found himself clad in heavy armor in a dark valley with no one else in sight.  In the midst of tragedy or loss, the Christian life often feels the most lonely. When bearing the weight of sorrow or grief, companionship may seem too far off to be of any help. The "valley of the shadow of death" from Psalm 23 is a common experience in the Christian life. Suffering is all too real for believers. Yet, when our faith is tested, it is our faith that must stand up against the temptation to give in.  When our faith is tested, it is our faith that must stand up against the temptation to give in.  Christian had to endure this battle alone, just as we are called, even in the throes of loneliness and misery, or pain and suffering, to remain steadfast in our faith. No one else's faith can endure on your behalf. You must believe, trust, and use the gifts God has given you to fight off the evil one. God never leaves us without help.  After taking a better look at his new armor, it occurred to Christian that his friends were preparing him for battle. Christian met a man, and immediately drew his sword. "You don't recognize me? Why, I am your prince!" Disguised as a man, the evil Apollyon began his attempt to coerce Christian to leave behind the path to the Celestial City and go home to his family. Using Christian's greatest fears against him, Apollyon asked him what would happen to his wife and children if he made it to his destination, "What of them?" He asked. Jesus was confronted with this question in the Gospels: what about all of the things we have to leave behind? Who will plow the field if I follow you Jesus? Who will bury my father? What will happen to my family? He responded with what seemed like harsh words, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:60) There is no looking back when we choose to follow Jesus. Everything must be committed to Him. Our jobs, our families, our finances—everything must be subject to Him and His calling for our lives. The temptation of the Devil often works in this way: he whispers in our ears the lie that if we forsake the things of this world, God will not provide for us. We must not leave the path that the God of the Universe has called us to take in exchange for temporary comforts.  We must not leave the path that the God of the Universe has called us to take in exchange for temporary comforts. Suddenly, the Interpreter's words came back into Christian's mind: "For you will meet people who pretend to lead you in the right, and will only lead you into misery." He immediately recognized the man before him. This was no mere prince, and certainly no mere man—this was the Devil himself! Christian rebuked him strongly, and refused to leave the path to the Celestial City. His commitment was to the King and to the King alone. "How many times have you already failed Him on this journey?" Apollyon shifted his focus. "You are a disgrace to this King of yours!" Since his subtle coercion didn't work, he attacked Christian with his own sin. But, Christian fought back with the goodness of the King: "Which makes His mercy and forgiveness the sweeter. You are a deceiver that binds your subjects with invisible chains. The King has broken mine and I am free!" When condemned by past sins, we must stand firm in the saving power of God's grace and forgiveness. We will fail daily, but our King extends forgiveness continually. For, "As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." (Ps. 103:12) There is no power in condemnation for sins that have already been forgiven. Stand firm in the knowledge of the mercy of God, and Satan's invisible chains are broken; he cannot overpower you with such lies.  When condemned by past sins, we must stand firm in the saving power of God's grace and forgiveness. Apollyon then rose from the ground and revealed his true form: the roaring red dragon. Flying high above, and swooping down to attack, blow after blow landed. Apollyon and Christian fought for hours, and Christian began to grow weary. Unrelenting, it appeared as though Apollyon would defeat the weary pilgrim. But, when Apollyon made a last attempt to finish Christian off, with one last strong motion, Christian plunged his sword deep beneath Apollyon's scales.  When the attacks of the Devil happen in our lives, God has provided what we need to endure. He has given the whole armor of God to those who believe. And, this is not a matter of if he will attack, but when. Be prepared. Be vigilant. Arm yourself with the Word of God, and with trust in God's promises, knowing that God has given His righteousness and His forgiveness to all who believe in Him. His Holy Spirit dwells in every believer, equipping and strengthening them for all of the battles they may face. Even when we feel most alone, God never leaves us or forsakes us.  Be prepared. Be vigilant. Arm yourself with the Word of God, and with trust in God's promises, knowing that God has given His righteousness and His forgiveness to all who believe in Him. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen. —1 Peter 5:8–11 WATCH THE PILGRILM'S PROGRESS ONLINE FOR FREE Help Produce The 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress and Reserve Your Free Copy! The 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress: The Journey Begins is a devotional book which contains 16 lessons and a video collection that guides individuals through Christian's journey from this world to that which is to come. It will feature The Pilgrim's Progress movie, broken into 16 powerful segments. These segments are designed to disciple the next generation to stay on the straight path. 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