Adversity, is good?!

So I realize as a pastor and as a believer we have to go through the valley times. Those times when we often question our calling, question whether we are doing something wrong, or whether we just aren't in tune with where God wants us to go at the time. I have officially arrived, I went through this period about 7 years ago as well and soon after that the ministry I was working in began a new outreach strategy and all of a sudden I was back on the peaks of the mountains. I am praying for that experience once again.
When I go through these periods there are several verses that come to mind. One is in Proverbs where we are reminded, To trust in the Lord with all our heart, and lean not on our own understanding, in all our ways acknowledge Him and He will make our path straight. I have to remember that if I want a straight path, if I want any type of ministerial success I have to trust in the Lord 100%. If I want to climb out of the valleys, I need to trust in God and understand that there is nothing that I can do myself to get out of there without His guidance and His will being at the front leading the way.
I am also reminded of James 1:9, "The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position." We should be glad of the fact that we are being humbled and brought down to earth. It is a sign that God is at work pruning us and working to make us into a greater final product. I struggle daily with the things that aren't going on, but I am thankful for the fact that God is right there with me at the peaks and in the lowest of the valleys. He is there guiding my every step so that when I do come out of it, and things do become fruitful again I can give Him 100% of the credit for all that has happened.
The last verse that I recall during these times is this."Everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). I struggle often with the true meaning of this verse, and I ask myself as I strive so hard to grow a church am I doing it, or is it being done in a way that God is teh pilot. I have to check my motives, my heart and my desires daily to make sure I am not doing anything out of selfishness or fleshliness and simply for His glory and by His leading.
So when you're in the valley, remember that God is using that time to help you become stronger, and remember that you should be proud that we serve a God that doesn't make life a cakewalk, and loves you enough to allow you to struggle so that your relationship with Him can be complete.
Thanks for reading and have an awesome day!