THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

"By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." Exodus 13:21 (NIV©1984)

"I’m almost finished with this project. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel." I’ve said the same words. I’m sure you also know those who have described going through a difficult time, nearing completion, and feeling the relief of seeing "the light at the end of the tunnel."

Through our study of the Bible, we are able to read the events of the day—thousands of years ago. When God led the people through the never-ending sands of the desert, he led them by his physical presence in the form of a cloud that could be seen by day and a pillar of fire which lit their way by night—through the "dark tunnel."

Some may say, if God led them all the way, why did they wander in circles for forty years? Perhaps they still had desert lessons to learn: trust, a change in attitude, and growing faith. They actually did not wander if they were following God’s cloud and light. They were being obedient.

When we are in the grip of hard lessons, long difficult tasks, or joyous work in which we have grown wearing of the doing, we may not see the presence of God around us, leading and loving us through to completion. Yet, he is there. It is only when the pressure subsides, as we near the end of our responsibilities, that we begin to see and feel the peace of God—the light at the end of the tunnel. It had always been there, even though we had not seen it, because our eyes had been clouded with the burdens around us. Still, the light was there all along.

There is a beautiful song, He Was There All the Time, by Gary S. Paxton, that describes God’s presence.

He was there all the time
He was there all the time
Waiting patiently in line
He was there all the time.

God is our light at the end of the tunnel! The great news I have for you today is, he was there all the time. Let us pray:

"Father of Love, we praise you for being the Light that guides us always. May this be the day we see your light, even in the darkest places of our lives. May we one day see Heaven, flooded in the light of your glory. Forgive us when we have chosen to focus on the darkness, when we believe that we must keep our head down and our eyes on the task until we, alone, have pronounced it "done." When, all along, you were there to light our work and giving us peace. Holy is your presence, full of peace and grace. Today—we choose to see you beside us, walking before us, and leading our way. Blessed be the name of God and your son Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine."
Copyright 2012 Doris Gaines Rapp

www.holdingontosandjournalofjamesrapp.blogspot.com
www.directbuybooks.com