A Lighthouse in the Fog
“God, all at once you turned on a floodlight for me! You are the revelation-light in my darkness, and in your brightness, I can see the path ahead.” — Psalm 18:28 (TPT)
About a month ago during a worship service, I felt like the Lord gave me a vision for my wife and I that we would also like to share with you. My prayer is that you are encouraged and empowered to better step in faith as the Lord continues to light your path.
In the middle of our time, I saw a picture of a lighthouse centered in a body of water surrounded by a dense fog. As I continued to look I felt like my wife and I were close to the lighthouse in a boat that was supposed to cross the water. Even though we felt like it was time to travel across the waves, we could not see where we were supposed to set our course.
Right then I saw the lighthouse light twirling about in methodical motion illuminating a path through the fog. It revealed just enough of a path for us to start rowing in that general direction. As the light spun around we were left paddling through the fog without knowing what was ahead. Feelings of uncertainty swirled in my heart and mind, and I assumed the worst of what was ahead. Were the wind and waves calm enough to move through? Was there a storm on the other side of the fog? What could be expected?
I simulated many awful things that could be hidden away in the unknown and the fear joined the fog in surrounding me. Just when I thought we would stop sailing through the waters, our path was lit up for a brief instant. It was a reminder that we were heading in the right direction and that the waters were calm. It was a sign that we had a bright future ahead. It was an expression of hope that even if there were stormy seas moving forward that we were also navigating with the One whose voice calms the wind and waves.
The vision continued in this manner and I felt as if the Lord was encouraging Abbie and I to know that even in the midst of ambiguity that He would continue to light our path and remind us that He is with us, that we are moving in the right direction, and that He is building in us the heart to live fully in the future location to which He called us.
I feel like many of us go through life in a similar approach. We perceive an invitation toward an undetermined place, relationship, job, or position. We don’t see the whole picture but we take the step forward knowing that there are good things ahead. I guess you can say there is fog all around but not enough to keep us from moving onward.
And for many of us, the uncertainty brings forth assumption of the worst: gusty winds, massive waves, torrential downpour, and immense failure. Some stop paddling altogether because of fear, while others turn around toward what is known and comfortable.
I don’t write this to judge or to put anybody down. I write this to open space for courage to enter our hearts so that we may journey together into the unknown knowing that the One who called us is faithful. I scribe down this vision to let you know that although it may seem like our assumptions are big, the Truth is bigger and He is lighting our path in exactly the way we need to see it.
So, what are we do then? Here are five ideas as we move forward into what may seem vague or unpredictable.
- Stay connected. Don’t go without being tethered to the Light and the Way. If you are wandering about in dark waters with no light it will be impossible to know the way ahead. This means keep talking, listening, and asking Jesus about what is next. Even if there’s silence, there’s still something being communicated.
- Travel Together. You may have noticed that my vision was with my wife. I wouldn’t go without her. We were not meant to go alone and I don’t just mean in marriage. Even if you are single or feel alone, there are many who will travel with you. Go together. After all, we are better together.
- Be Courageous. Bethany Hamilton said, “Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you didn’t let fear stop you.” I can’t row the boat for you, but I can tell you that you were built to sail further than you could ever imagine. The Wind in your sails can empower you to greater things if you’re willing to let Him.
- Weigh Your Assumption. There’s far too much weight in our assumption to travel with on our journey. The reality is that the only burden we are called to carry with us is one that is light. If your burden is too heavy to move forward with, maybe it’s not of Christ. The best way to recognize this is by weighing our assumptions with the Truth. Just because we can’t see something doesn’t mean we need to catastrophize a situation. And even if storms are ahead, we are with the One whom the wind and waves obey.
- Don’t Miss the Development. It stinks that we don’t always see the whole picture and that sometimes all we see is the next step forward. But, it’s also beautiful to know that maybe we only see piece-by-piece so that we can develop the character to live in love and honor in the end goal. I could complain all day about not being where I want to be or not knowing what is next, or I could open myself to growing my capacity for being where and who God has called me to be.
I know this doesn’t answer everything, I know that it may just be enough for the next step, and I know that there may be some fog surrounding your situation. I also know that in the midst of our uncertainties there is One who is certain and it is in Him that I believe we will have the confidence to go, to live, and to fully thrive.
So from my heart to yours, move forward with courage and assurance. The Light will illuminate the path, remind you of where you are going, calm any storms, and breathe Wind into your sails. You may just find that as you journey ahead that there is more certainty then we can feel or see.
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” — Hebrews 10:23
