Chasing the Light at the End of the Tunnel

          Most of us have heard the old saying, “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” It symbolizes the end of a difficult time or trial. During hard times, we tend to wish for the end. Some pray, “Please God, let it be over.” We are ready for the peak of the mountain, ready to just catch our breath and be done with it. More often than not, it seems as though the closer we get to that light, it begins to fade into the distance. We start to struggle; it becomes a never-ending battle. At these lowest points, we feel defeated and lose hope thinking we will never see the end. Well, what is that light? Is it God? Or, is it only an illusion? Why are we really chasing the light at the end of the tunnel?

We can look in God’s word and find that the famous light is definitely not God. Joshua 1:9 says He is with us wherever we go. He is not waiting at the end of the tunnel , or trial shall we say, ready to high-five us and rejoice in our victory. No, he is right there in the darkest moments. So why, during these times, do we feel so lonely? It is often because we want to focus on the end and we are completely missing the hand of God at work. Ladies, it’s time to dig in the word and figure out what our choices are in dealing with trials. Let’s start with an illustration:

"One day, three men went exploring in a cave hoping to find historical artifacts or even a treasure of some sort. They took a wrong turn and found themselves lost with no idea how to get back on track. One of the men, Aaron, decided to go alone and look for a way out. He aborted his previous endeavor to pursue a survival mission. He started feeling for wind, looking for light. Days had past and he had given up and sat down knowing that he would meet his end in this cave. Another one of the men, Jack, decided that if they split up, they could find the exit faster and get help. He set out on his own as well. The last man, Thomas, looked at the situation and realized that he may never come out and asked God to have his will. He decided while he was there, he was going to explore. In his pack, he had a few survival tools. He struck a match and made a torch. He began to find historical writings on the walls. He became hungry and asked God to provide him some food. He found a few bugs. He became thirsty and again asked God for water. He came across some dripping water. He continued in the cave, amazed at all the historical findings along the walls, and saw something glimmering in the rocks. He looked and saw that it was gold. He pulled a piece out and thanked God for the rare opportunity to find such an earthly treasure. He then heard Aaron moaning and began to search for him. He found him, lifted him up and began to walk with him to get him water and a taste of that buggy meal. He talked with him and encouraged him. He began to show him the uniqueness of all the stalagmites and stalactites along with the writings on the walls. They ran into Jack and together found an exit in a short time. When they finally got out, Jack mentioned his thirst and hunger pangs. Thomas asked, “Did you not eat the bugs or drink any of the water? Jack shook his head no. They decided to head home. Jack said, “So much for exploring and finding anything. At that moment, Thomas pulled out the gold piece and said, “We certainly did find something.” The other two looked and asked where he found it. Thomas replied, “While I was looking at the drawings, I saw it glittering along the cave walls. It was the most remarkable thing, far more than anything I could have envisioned on my own.”

Which one of these men can we relate to? Let’s take a second and think about our most recent trial. When we are ready to just run to that light at the end of the tunnel, like Jack, we miss out on the remarkable things God had planned for us to learn. When we take matters into our own hands and follow our own plans, we may fall into a rut like Aaron. But, when we place our hope in God, as Thomas did, and allow His will to be done, we will see that He is walking there with us. He is ready to open our eyes to see His mighty works that are all around us. We should never worry, as He will provide for our needs. (Matthew 6:34).We should be constantly living in the moment, asking God what He wants to show us because, here’s the thing,  we will always see trials here on earth. When, or if, we finally get to that light, we need not grow cold or complacent. We need to be preparing for the very next trial because we know it is coming. (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4). When we start a new one and we are prepared, we can rejoice in our hope in Christ. (Romans 12:12, James 1:2, 1 Peter 1:6).  If begin to feel hopeless, remember that praying and seeking answers in The Word will guide us through our darkest times. (Psalm 119:105). He is our light. That one at the end of the tunnel is just a distraction from God, who is right beside you. So let’s strike the match, light the torch and start exploring. Better yet, open the Bible, let God ignite your heart and He'll guide you through.

                Stop chasing the light and choose to see God in your trials. Believe it or not, trials are one of those crossroads. Making the Godly decision will keep you on the right path.

Scripture:

Joshua 1:9  “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4  “…that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.”

James 1:2 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.”

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”