L uke 19:28-40 And when he had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. (29) When he drew near to Beth'phage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, (30) saying, "Go into the village opposite, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat; untie it and bring it here. (31) If any one asks you, `Why are you untying it?' you shall say this, `The Lord has need of it.'" (32) So those who were sent went away and found it as he had told them. (33) And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?" (34) And they said, "The Lord has need of it." (35) And they brought it to Jesus, and throwing their garments on the colt they set Jesus upon it. (36) And as he rode along, they spread their garments on the road. (37) As he was now drawing near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives , the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a  loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, (38) saying, "Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!" (39) And some of the Pharisees in the multitude said to him, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples." (40) He answered, "I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out."

Meditation by Don Schwager

B eing 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 speak of such trials from no experience often judge others who have had such hardship. It is a superficiality of Christian experience that often permeates shallow believers.

Those who have walked in hard places immediat ely have a kinship with others who have walked there also. They do not need to explain; they mer ely look at one another with mutual respect and admiration for their common experience. They know that death has worked a special thing in them. This death leads 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 has yielded more than you ever thought possible. You are able to appreciate the beauty of the experience and lay aside the sorrow and pain it may have produced.

Death works in you for a greater purpose. If you are there today, be assured that God is producing something of much greater value than you will ever know. --OS Hillman