Your very tears have been watering and fertilizing the harvest that is ready to spring forth.
By Angela Stolba
As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools. | Psalm 84:6
Recently, I was worshiping at church when I had an encounter with the Lord. My husband and I were standing beside each other with our arms raised as we were praising God. We—and I believe many others, as well—have been walking through some challenging situations. Yet as my husband and I were worshiping, I saw Jesus. He was standing in front of us in a white robe, and His arms were extended out to us. As Jesus placed His hands on my husband and I, I could feel the strength, peace, and deep love that He was imparting into us.
What a powerful and tangible picture of how our Lord intercedes for us!
Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us (Romans 8:34).
Then the vision changed, and my husband and I were now walking with Jesus through a dark place. Immediately I understood that the darkness represented our current circumstances. Even then, Jesus was our good Shepherd, leading us with a staff in His hand. I was instantly reminded of the familiar passage in the Psalms that says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
The final picture of this encounter then came before me, and it was so encouraging! All of a sudden, we emerged out of the darkness. Instantaneously there was light and vivid colors all around us. Lush, beautiful flowers appeared everywhere, and there was a sense of incredible joy. It was such a glorious sight to behold, and I was astounded at how we instantly went from a place of such darkness to light. “For You light my lamp; the Lord my God illumines my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).
The wilderness and the desert will be glad,
And the Arabah will rejoice and blossom;
Like the crocus (Isaiah 35:1).
I felt to release this encounter to the body of Christ today as an encouragement. Whatever you are currently facing in your life, Jesus—the true, good Shepherd—is making intercession for you, leading you through the hills and valleys. His rod and staff will comfort you, for He is mighty in your midst!
The Lord your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy (Zephaniah 3:17).
I am reminded of Psalm 84:6, which says, “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs.” The word Baca, itself, represents weeping. I truly believe that the Lord is taking our very places of weeping and turning them into joy!
The Lord would say to you today, “Your very tears have been watering and fertilizing the harvest that is ready to spring forth!” Be encouraged that the Lord has been working behind the scenes in your life, despite how things may feel right now in the natural. He is weaving His pattern of good through all of your circumstances, both big and small alike. As it is written, “we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Let hope arise! Surely your valley of Baca wil now become a place of springs!
He who goes to and fro weeping, carrying his bag of seed,
Shall indeed come again with a shout of joy, bringing his sheaves with him (Psalm 126:6).
Angie Stolba has a heart to see people walking in compete freedom and restoration. She shares her testimony at conferences and women's events. Angie enjoys co-laboring with her husband, Jeff, in ministry, as well as pouring into their three daughters. Angie has a genuine passion for God's Word and intercessory prayer. She is the author of the book, Dealing With the Root of Rejection.
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