A few days ago I left home to drive across town in the heavy fog that had settled unexpectedly over the area. Driving in fog creates sense insecurity. You might be driving down familiar streets, but familiar landmarks are shrouded behind misty curtains and you are left a little disoriented. You turn your headlights on, not to see, but to be seen. You drive much slower, I hope, because what lies a few hundred yards down the road will remain a mystery until you are precariously close to it. You realize that you may need to react to danger quickly and your senses are on alert. For all of these reasons and more, driving in fog is mentally and physically taxing and you wouldn’t want to do it every day.
Occasionally, and usually unexpectedly, we find ourselves traveling in a spiritual fog. Vision is dimmed, the future seems shrouded in mystery, and even those things you are sure of seem to be hidden behind misty clouds of uncertainty. Spiritual disorientation sets in.
Many people feel that way right now. There is a level of uncertainty about the future that is palpable. The question, “What lies ahead?” seems to be the lead of many conversations.
Here are a few words of advice for travelling in a fog of uncertainty. Keep moving even if you have to slow down a bit. One of the worst mistakes you can make is to just stop.
Make sure the lights are on. People around you are feeling lost also. As a Christian you have inner resources and insight. Pray for wisdom. Seek God’s Kingdom first. Don’t hide the light of Christ. As strange as it may sound, other people often see your light best when you think conditions are at their worst.
Most of all have faith. Just because you can’t see the spiritual landmarks doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Trust in the character, motives and power of Christ. You might not be able to see what lies ahead, but Christ does. Rely on him.
Finally, be filled with hope. Soon the Son will burn away the fog and everything will be clear again.
What makes the Christian pilgrimage so incredible is the Christian is on a road that leads to a place worth going to - even if we encounter a little fog along the way!
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