Tunnel Walking
Sometimes, deep in the tunnel, it is difficult to see the light, and we might think that perhaps it has faded or been put out altogether.
No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. - 1 Corinthians 10:13
Paul gives us a testimony of hope in today's reading, but for some who struggle with one setback after another, the words may seem hollow, if not false.
The idea that God metes out illnesses and disasters to test us is not a comforting one.
Sure, we may say that the ordeal was something that strengthened us, turned us around, gave us alternatives we had not anticipated, and those things happen when we are challenged beyond our wildest imagination, but who would take the pain and welcome it? Who would invite illness to learn from it? Who would seek to be tested?
There are truths we cannot escape.
We are mortal. This run of good luck will end, and we will face serious, life-threatening, life-demanding events at some point.
The time may be swift or it may come in waves, each rising us up and throwing us down, reminding us that we are not in control.
For a time, we will be in the tunnel and we will have to walk without seeing the light. It is then that we need to seek God.
I think we are afraid to really talk with God, one on one, letting Him hear how we feel, giving him our hell to bear, so we can go on.
In today's Gospel reading, Jesus stands in the boat and rebukes the wind, calming the seas. Sure, we say, he can do that, but what about us?
We get it when he says that we are of little faith, but faith is a funny thing. It comes in waves like the sea, giving us hope and making us feel like we are invincible, only to slip out from under us and disappear below the surface again.
It is these moments when we have to cry out in prayer, calling to the Holy Spirit to prop us up, to rise us up in the boat, so we can yell at the wind and the storm and know we will make it through.
Our entire life on earth is like walking in the tunnel. We have only a glimpse every now and then of the beauty and glory that exists at the other end, and we have no mission other than to strive for the light. If we stop, we give up and give in, letting the darkness overcome us.
For my friends who are struggling in their tunnels, I pray for strength and courage. I share my hope and faith with them, and I seek to help them continue their walk forward.
Our hope lies in the Lord, yes, but He has given us each other and we should take advantage of the support that He has provided.
So, as we pray, let us also listen for His call to go and help those in the deeper areas of the tunnel who need our help. If we fail to go, the light may not reach them.
Let us pray.
More to come...