Braving the Fog. Rivers of Faith, Part 9
"Open my eyes that I may see…" (Ps 119:18 NIV)
Have you ever been utterly surrounded by deep, bone-chilling fog? All you can
see is…fog and more fog! You can't even see your own hand, unless you put it
right in front of your face. Have you noticed that during such times of your
life, you are unable to even perceive the presence of the sun?
Nonetheless, it's there, shining as brightly as ever.
But why do we tend to be more discouraged at such times? Is it possible it's
because we can't see the sun?
But if we continually seek the sun, we will eventually see it. I was out
wandering in my yard the other day, camera in hand. The fog was dense, but at
just the expected moment, the sun peeked through the trees and I was greeted by
an outstanding view: I was surrounded by an undescribable orange hue, and this
light was chasing away the fog!
Fog is not here to stay! It can't! The sun will eventually chase it away!
Seven years ago we found ourselves in heavy fog as well. We were near Lunenburg
in Nova Scotia, on our way to see the "Ovens", fabulous sea caves on the
Atlantic Ocean. We were discouraged from entering the park. The sea caves could
not be viewed in all their splendour in times like these.
Last year we returned to that same location. This time the sun was shining
brightly and we were greeted by utter delight: Gorgeous caves like none we had
ever seen. We took advantage of the sunshine and visited every possible crevice.
The fog hindered us the first time from seeing the utter beauty that surrounded
us!
In our lives we often experience dense spiritual fog. So often we find ourselves
lost in our circumstances. What can we do when a loved one is dying from a
devastating disease? How do we react when our spouse decides to take a walk on
the wild side? How do we feel when we receive an eviction notice? Where is God
when we are hit by circumstances beyond nightmarish?
The fog of confusion hinders us from seeing the Son of God. Nonetheless, He is
closer than we think.
"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then
can you be embraced by the One most dear to you." (Matt 5:4 The Message)
We may feel lost and desperate, but only because all we see is the thick, eerie
fog of our circumstances! But the Son is still shining, even brighter than ever
before, it's just that when we let our circumstances overwhelm us, we can't see
Him!
If at those times we could only remember to stop and ask God to open our eyes so
we could see, we would no longer feel alone. The fog would dissipate enough for
us to see the One who is called "the lover of our soul". His love would pierce
through and we would find ourselves surrounded by utter beauty emanating from
the undying love of the One who willingly sacrificed Himself for us 2000 years
ago.
"Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and
Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred,
not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even
the worst sins listed in Scripture: They kill us in cold blood because they hate
you. We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one. None of this fazes us
because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing - nothing living
or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or
unthinkable - absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of
the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us." (Rom 8:35-39 The Message)
One day a blind man was given his sight by the One we call Jesus. When sceptics
were questioning him, he couldn't help but exclaim: "One thing I do know. I was
blind but now I see!" (John 9:18 NIV) He didn't let his circumstances dominate
him. He sought the face of Jesus until he found Him!
Even amidst our worst nightmares, our loving Father in heaven gives us the
possibility of seeing beyond what we can see. No matter how dense
the fog, we can
see Him shine as brightly as ever before. But this can only be done if we ask
and believe.
"The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go
to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see." (John 9:11 NIV)
Lord, when we are surrounded by the dense fog of adversity, help us to see! Help
us to not let ourselves be discouraged. Help us remember to ask You to open our
eyes so that we can see, utterly see, the love You have for us. Remind us when
You told us: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have
overcome the world." (John 16:33 NIV) Help us not lose sight of who You really
are. Help us feel that indescribable love that surrounds us when we feel Your
embrace. Thank You Lord for always being there for us, no matter our
circumstances. We love You! In Jesus' holy name. Amen"
Remember, the "Son" is still shining, even amidst heavy fog.
Rob Chaffart