Light at the End of the Tunnel

Light at the End of the Tunnel

A couple weeks ago, we spent a lovely day on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, wandering through forest, fields and coastline.  We had driven perhaps a mile through dense, overhanging trees; as we neared the further end, I noticed how far away it was to the tiny light at the end of the tunnel of trees. It reminded me of an anonymous quote I recently read. Although meant to be humorous, there is much truth in this statement:  "Due to budgetary restraints, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.  We apologize if this inconveniences you in any way."

Hmm... Due to the world's incompetence, the light at the end of our tunnel is extinguished and their  response is, "Sorry."  Really??

There are times in our lives when the end of a tunnel of difficulties seems very far away. It's light can even seem to disappear altogether at times - turned off by .... what? Budgetary restraints - or more likely, circumstances beyond our control. That's when hope can dim to darkness and you frantically  search for a flicker of light to guide your way and give you hope.  If there's one thing we need in a dark tunnel, it's a glimmer of light indicating that there IS an end to the darkness and a way out.

The great thing is that Jesus always offers light to shine through your darkness. In the book of John, "Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life," 8:12. What a wonderful promise to hang onto when your tunnel seems so long and the light at its end so dim.

Here are two more exciting promises found in the book of Isaiah, "Arise, shine, for your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you," 60:1. And, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.; those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined," 9:2.

Sydney J. Harris, a journalist for the Chicago Daily News, wrote: "The pessimist sees only the tunnel; the optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel; the realist sees the tunnel and the light - and the next tunnel." 

There will always be tunnels cropping up in our lives, but God offers ample light to those who seek Him. We don't have to be afraid of the dark, because God promises to banish that darkness and fill our lives with the light of His love. "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright," Psalm 112:4.