I remember this one particular night as if it was yesterday. The fog was thick, and my nerves were a mess. I could not see two feet in front of my car. I contemplated pulling off to the side of the road to call my husband to come and get me, but I soon realized how dumb of an idea that was. If I couldn’t see anything around me how was he going to be able to see me, not to mention, I couldn’t see the side of the road to pull over. My only option was to turn on K-Love really loudly, pray, and remember the words of my husband: “When driving in the fog, let the white lines be your guide.”
The thing was, it wasn’t the fog that had my “fear barometer” to the max; it was the fear of the unknown. I couldn’t see what was ahead and what was to be expected. I was forced to take comfort in the fact that with each motion I made forward, I was able to see more clearly where I was and where I was going.
Our lives can be like driving in that fog. The fear of the unknown can be crippling. Maybe it is an expected divorce, loss of a job, foreclosure on your home, a fatal illness, the pain of the past, substance abuse, or the pain of loneliness and rejection. Whatever it may be, take heart because your Father in Heaven knows.
Psalms 119:105 tells us that God’s word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As I picture this verse, I picture myself walking on a floor made up of many tiles (remember the Michael Jackson’s video, Billie Jean)? The tiles light up with each step I make. So in life, as I take that next step, God gives me just enough knowledge, wisdom, and discernment to deal with the circumstance at that moment. And as I continue to trust Him and take each step of faith, things become clearer.
I am at a place in my life where I can look back and see the incredible journey I have been on (not all of it easy). I can also see that God was with me every step of the way molding and shaping me more and more into His likeness.
I am still afraid to drive in the fog. However, I know that when I am stuck in a situation where there is limited visibility all I have to do is not focus on what I don’t see ahead, but focus and take comfort right where I am right at that moment and let God show me the rest of the way.
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For know, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.
1Cor. 13:11-12
Denise Crosby 