I want to share a message close to my heart. This is a reflection on how to remain fruitful, even during the valleys of life—those moments of depression, distress, and difficulty.
Be Productive in Your Pain
I have often found that my most challenging moments were also my most productive. Between the ages of 35 and 40, I wrote over 40 books, many of which I am republishing today. Titles like Hold on to Your Vision and Philosophy of the Ant were birthed during times of stress. Hardships often demand that we pause, think deeply, and rediscover our purpose.
Excitement can drown out the still, small voice of God. In contrast, a humble and broken heart becomes fertile ground for clarity and creativity. When you feel alone or abandoned, recognize it as an opportunity to explore the depths of your vision and hear God’s voice.
Examples of Fruitfulness in Adversity
History is filled with stories of individuals who turned their pain into lasting legacies:
- Joseph Scriven, who lost his first and second fiancées, wrote the timeless hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus.
- Horatio Spafford, after losing his children in a shipwreck, penned the powerful hymn, It Is Well with My Soul.
Their songs continue to comfort and inspire millions, long after their earthly struggles ended. Likewise, your pain can produce something eternal if you choose to focus beyond yourself.
Think Beyond Yourself
In moments of depression, don’t let your struggles make you self-centered. Instead, think about how you can add value to others. The Shunammite woman in the Bible, though childless and burdened, chose to build a room for Elisha. Her selflessness led to a miraculous blessing—a child who later became her evidence of divine intervention.
Turn Disaster into Destiny
Even in the face of disaster, there is potential for greatness:
- A Mozambican woman, who gave birth in a tree during a flood, was rescued by CNN. Her resilience captured global attention, and she later became a UN ambassador for her country.
- Abraham, during his time of mourning, bought land that became Hebron—an enduring symbol of legacy.
Your current struggles can lead to a testimony that blesses generations.
Lift Others, and You Will Rise
There’s a story of two patients in an old people’s home. One, though bedridden, painted vivid pictures of the world outside a window to encourage his fellow patient. When the second patient was moved to the window, he discovered there was nothing to see but a wall. The first patient’s descriptions were acts of imagination and generosity, meant to uplift his friend.
Similarly, when you focus on making others happy, you will find unexpected joy and fulfillment.
Create a Legacy
Don’t let depression or failure define you. If the devil puts a full stop in your life, turn it into a comma and keep writing your story. Refuse to be a storyteller of other people’s lives; instead, be a history maker.
Think transgenerationally. Invest in things that will outlive you. Like Helen Keller, who created beauty despite her blindness, focus on what you can give to the world.
Conclusion
As you navigate the valleys of life, remember:
- Hardships refine you and provide clarity.
- Think beyond your challenges and focus on how you can bless others.
- Your story is not over—there are still mountains to conquer and legacies to create.
Don’t let depression prevent you from becoming fruitful. Instead, use it as an opportunity to listen to God, rediscover your purpose, and bless others.
Together, let us create a fruitful life and a better future.
God bless you.
Dr. Charles Apoki
