Following the Light

In a five-gate airport, in small-town Illinois, the spring-break crowd made for an unexpected long line at security. My heart beat a little harder while I fiddled with my identification. Will I make it to the gate in time? I fretted, inching forward as more people passed through security. Surely the airline wouldn’t strand us. With only two outgoing flights, everyone ahead of us and behind us is waiting to board the same planes.

Not a comfort, these thoughts. They followed me to the gate, up the Jetway, and into the plane. Even as the plane lifted off the runway, the gate attendant’s lecture about being two hours early to the airport caused an angry rampage in my mind.

Thoughts like this—uncertainties, fears, worries— can overshadow our faith and cause us to sin. The stress of the situation feels unending, and we may question whether we’re being left behind. However, according to James, the shadows of trials cannot defeat a believer who is steadfast in their faith. In fact, he counted trials as a blessing that developed perseverance, strengthened faith, and developed godly character. (James 1:2-4)

A blessing, for sure, for our Creator to guide us during our trials toward a more Christ-like life! He loves us so much as to shape us into the people he created us to be. He molds us with his enduring Word, full of enduring promises. He lifts shadows that overwhelm us and collects our tears to strengthen our faith and our character, gifting us with joy that shines brighter than any worry.

In our ever-growing faith, we can meet God at the cross and offer to him our trials in prayer. He may not stop the shifting shadows, for they are a part of this world, but he offers the promise of his presence and the reward of eternal life. He exposes us to the light to follow rather than the shadows to hide under. From this, we know that whether we feel stranded or as if we’re moving forward, he’s growing us, molding us, shaping us, creating a godly person that can further his kingdom, and most importantly, we’re moving toward eternal life.

Dear God, help me to depend on you during my trials to become the person you created. May my faith become stronger and my character more like you. I thank you for loving me so much as to offer a light to follow in all circumstances.

Throughout This Day: Read Psalm 56 as a reminder of God’s love. Use the chapter to form a prayer of thanksgiving that God collects your tears and records them in his book.