Never Doubt in the Dark

         Last Thursday my cousin Lili and I left to travel to Napanee, Indiana to visit our cousin, Allyson. Leaving at 3:30 in the afternoon made the six-hour drive not only exhausting but guaranteeing the last portion of our driving would be done in the dark.

         With an hour to go until we reached Allyson’s house, our route took us down several back country roads. In the dark these roads were eerie and our surroundings were a bit frightening. Not knowing exactly where we were or where we were going in the black of the night made us apprehensive. We couldn’t wait to get back on main roads where our journey would be illuminated with lights and signs coming from businesses off the different exits. Needless to say, we were overjoyed when we finally reached our destination.

         When Lili and I left to come home Sunday afternoon, the difference was astounding. The little country roads where we felt unsafe and isolated just three days before changed to feelings of security and warmth. The loveliness and quaintness we couldn’t see in the dark were magnified in the light.

         I began thinking about this experience and how this is exactly what I feel when I’m traveling through the darkness of a battle. I feel unsafe. I’m unsure of where I am or where I’m going. My surroundings are eerie. At times I struggle to hold on to the lighted signs and promises that come from God’s Word. I want to get back on the main roads of my journey. I long to feel the joy of reaching my destination.

         And when I reach my final destination?

         The light magnifies what I couldn’t see or what I forgot in the dark.

         I feel safe. I know I’m loved. The beauty and awe I see in the light are memorizing. But the truth of the matter is just because I feel frightened in the darkness of battle, doesn’t mean I should forget what I’ve been told in the light— God’s promises are true. They are a firm foundation. I’ve heard my pastor quote it and I heard it on Sunday at my cousin’s church, “Never Doubt in the Dark, What God Told You in the Light.” When darkness comes it’s okay to be frightened. Don’t be ashamed of feeling unsafe or isolated. It’s not a sin to wonder where God is or where He’s taking you. We’re human and human emotions are going to overcome us when we’re in the darkness. But what you mustn’t do is doubt what God has told you in the light. It’s easy to trust God’s promises in the light when everything good and right is illuminated, but the real act of trusting comes when terrifying darkness comes. 

         When the suffocating blackness engulfs you, stand on God’s promises. Remember what He told you. Write the words down to show the darkness you believe victory is just around the corner. Live your life in a way that testifies to the world you know what God has said will come to pass. Above all, keep walking through the darkness because when you finally reach the top of the mountain you’ll be able to touch the light.