Giving Thanks in Darkness and in Light
courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
Matt was between jobs, between relationships, basically “between a rock and a hard place” as he put it. “I needed to get away, to think and pray and get some direction for my life.” He heard about a men’s retreat at a lake not far from where he lived, and it sounded like the perfect solution to his dilemma.
Matt arrived on a Friday afternoon, selected a bunk, unloaded his duffel and headed for the lake. “I spotted a trail and decided to see where it led. I walked around the entire lake watching the birds, swimmers and boaters. It was so peaceful I didn’t want to come back.”
Matt says he took a break on a high rock and sat down to pray. “I asked the Lord to make this weekend count for something more than just a few hours away from home. I wanted to leave with a plan for my life.”
By Saturday afternoon Matt became anxious. He wondered if God had heard him, much less cared. That night he dropped into a prayer-and-fellowship meeting after dinner. “I stayed for about an hour and then excused myself and started down the path to my cabin. It was pitch black. Not even a sliver of moon showed through the trees. I suddenly felt scared. It was the oddest feeling. There I was, an adult male, used to being on my own and not easily intimidated, but that night I was afraid to walk alone. My cabin was situated in the trees some distance from the lodge, and frankly, I wasn’t sure which way to go.”
Matt says he felt like a child, sorry he hadn’t waited for a buddy to walk with him. “I started to pray. I told the Lord I was scared and felt lost. I started shivering even though it was a warm evening.” Matt flicked on his penlight, but it made little more than a dime-sized spot at his feet. I need more light than this, he thought, feeling frustrated.
“No sooner had I closed my mouth than I had the answer to my prayer. It was so obvious I laughed out loud. I had enough light—enough for a footstep at a time. How much more did I need? I thought of what God had told Isaiah about the people of Israel. He’d lead them in paths they hadn’t known before, and He’d make darkness light before them. I got back to my cabin and crashed.
“I woke up Sunday morning and knew with certainty that the direction I sought, like the light, would come when I needed it—one step at a time. I drove home that day thanking God for the light—and for the darkness, too.”
You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. —Psalm 18:28
One step at a time! Perfect for me and what I worry about for tomorrow. Jesus by His Holy Spirit is our guide.
Thanks, Lynn. I agree with you. Often I run too far ahead of God when keeping in step with the Spirit would work out much better. 😊
Ican certainly relate to the “one step at a time” since I developed this balance problem. I get up in the mornings and most of the time, as I place bothhands on my walker, very carefully, I say out loud, “Okay, God, you and I together can make it” and WE do. I spend a lot of time thanking Him that I can still take a step without falling. I am blessed that I know HIM, as my Lord and Savior, and trust Him to guide me with HIS light. It is not easy but worth the try.
Thanks, Karen, for another inspirational story. Love to you. Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. I too, thank God for the ability to be up and around and walk and move by his grace.
Wonderful illustration of a great truth. Thanks for sharing it.
“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation,
Whom then shall I fear!!”
I love the Scripture verse you chose. Thanks, Etta Mae.
I can totally relate to Matt’s situtation. One evening while on a church camping trip, I got lost in the woods trying to catch up to my group. It was dark and by the grace of God I had a flashlight. I kepte hearing voices so I kept walking hoping to catch up with them. After about 30 minutes or so, I finally accepted that I was “lost.” I kept repeating to myself, “God is good all of the time.” Luckily, everyone was given an emergency whistle to blow if needed. I blew the whistle and its sound carried across the lake to the campground. They whistled back to me to alert me they heard the call. After about 20 minutes of waiting people showed up to escort me back to my campsite. God IS good ALL of the time.
This is such an inspiring personal story, Diana. Thanks so much for sharing it.
Sounds like recovery to me! Jesus is the path and the light for our path. Thank you, Karen. Lovely story.
Thank you, Heidi. I agree. 😊
Such a great reminder not to try to look too far ahead, or to know what will happen down the road, but to trust God for “the next step.” Thanks Karen.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carol.