From Darkness to Light

On a recent walk with our dog in a local forest we were surprised to see that the forestry commission had been busy harvesting wood. Having walked in the forest for many years we knew the paths exceptionally well, but we were amazed at how the whole vista had changed with the felling of the trees.

One particular path was dramatically changed, as it was once a dark path, enclosed on both sides by imposing trees. Now there was light and space and you could see beyond the trees into the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

As I walked along this path I started to feel a little nervous about where I was going. The scene had changed so much that I felt disorientated, and questioned whether or not I was actually on the right path.

It made me think of the times when God did a deep work in my life and I felt as though I no longer knew who I was, where I was, or where I was heading. Yet this feeling, however disorientating or scary, was a result of light coming into the places where there was no light. The sense of disorientation was real. It was as though the whole scene of life had changed. It opened up new views and perspectives; it made the walking easier and safer; it meant that I could walk with the security and freedom of knowing that there were good things beyond where I was.

The danger is that the initial sense of unease in the forest could have caused us to turn round and return to where we came from. It’s easy to think that the unknown way is too scary to travel along and this fear could prevent us from moving forward. As I walked along the path I looked for familiar landmarks that would mean I was on the right path even if the whole outlook was new to me.

When God brings us through healing we don’t change who we are or where we are at, in our time-limited journey. He opens up new possibilities, hope and freedom. We’ll still remember the old landmarks but now there’s much more to our life. So don’t choose the safety of what’s familiar, even though it’s darkness, but persevere, and walk along the pathway of life in freedom and with hope.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for the healing work You do in my life. Help me to move on in You and not fear the openness that You provide for my life. Amen.