The Tunnel
by Joan Rono
Whilst recently visiting Israel I went through Hezekiah’s tunnel that was dug long ago under the city of Jerusalem. It’s about a 35minute walk, and very, very dark. There’s water running inside and the tunnel has many corners and different heights.
It was a challenging walk as the tunnel sometimes gets extremely narrow or shallow. The water was up to my knees and in some places it was higher. For a tall person like me the big challenge is the height of the tunnel, but for a short person the challenge is the level of water! We sang, prayed, and at other times we were quiet.
After the walk I had an opportunity to talk with a few people who had been in the tunnel with me. Interestingly everyone had a different experience while inside the tunnel. The best part for me was coming to the end and seeing the light. That meant we had finished the challenge successfully. People who had previously gone through this tunnel were waiting at the end for us. They knew what it was like to be in there and had experienced it many times.
For me this was a picture of our walk with God. It’s not every day that we walk on a straight smooth path. We sometimes have to go through tunnels in life, experiencing difficulties, dead ends, and darkness. These may turn out to be the best times to worship and seek the Lord, or listen to Him. The waters of life may feel overwhelming, but as we lift our eyes to Jesus we realise He knows we are there. He’s waiting at the end for us to come through victorious!
He’s the light that shines at the end of the tunnel. He’s been through the same place. He knows the pain, difficulties and turmoil. He was tested in every way. He knows rejection, fear, distress, shame, betrayal, and everything we go through.
Our experiences in life may vary, depending on where we come from, and our backgrounds, but we’re all walking towards the same end. Our friends may be alongside to give encouragement and hope, but they’re on the same walk and sometimes we can’t depend on them. But when we look to Jesus He calls us up towards the light. He shows us the directions to take. He points out the difficulties to us and gives us hope.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for what You’ve done in my life. You’re familiar with all my ways. You’ve been there and You’ve gone through every test. Please help me to look to You as my source of strength and light as I go through this time of my life. Show me the way. Thank You, Lord, Amen.
Joan Rono has been involved with Ellel ministries since 2008,working at Ellel grange for 5 years before moving to Ellel Blairmore in 2013 to work as hospitality coordinator. Having walked the Healing Journey, Joan has a passion to see others healed and transformed. She also has a passion to see young people walk in purity and holiness. She enjoys walking and reading in her spare time.
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