Led by Light We Cannot See

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

The verse in Hebrews tells us we cannot see faith. Faith, like the wind, is not visible. But we see the impact of wind when gusts cause the leaves to dance, kites to soar, and sails to propel boats across the water. We can sense the effect of faith when prayers are answered for a cancer patient who goes into remission, when a near-death experience brings one nearer to God, when our sins are forgiven, and when we are redeemed. During the dark hours following the death of a loved one or the heartbreaking news of a health crisis, we are asked to believe there is peace in knowing and accepting what we cannot see; our faith and hope in Him are enough. Faith is our Light we cannot see.

But there are times when we wonder, “Is my faith enough? Will the future be too much for me to bear? Can I make it relying only on unseen hope?”

In an earlier blog, I discussed the importance of surrender. Even after we surrender, we may have uneasy thoughts or anxiety about not knowing. We may have surrendered our will to Him, but we may still wonder what His plan will be for us. Where will His plan direct our path?

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”   2 Corinthians 4: 8-9

Before we surrender our will to Him, we are misled by the false belief that we are in control. Once we understand the power and sovereignty of our Lord, we have a sense of peace. Even if we are afflicted in every way, crushed, persecuted, and struck down, we know He is with us. We are not in control; He is. And He will walk with us along our journey.

While we have surrendered our control, we still wonder what will the next season bring?

The Bible includes many stories of uncertainty and misunderstanding of God’s plans. The book of Lamentations tells us of the sorrow felt when the author could only stand and witness as the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem. There was a bigger plan ahead than the destruction of the city. That destruction was not the end of the story. A second temple would be built, and Nehemiah would rebuild the city wall.

Joseph didn’t know that his journey from being sold into slavery would lead him to a position of power in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). Ruth had no idea that following Naomi would make her part of the lineage of Christ. God had His plans, which were not understood at the time of hardship or crisis.

After we surrender our will to Him, rather than experience the anxiety of doubt, is it possible to embrace the mystery of not knowing? Can we feel God’s presence while waiting to see His plans unfold? 

There is only one way to maintain faith while we wait. We must keep our eyes on Him.

Peter stepped out of the boat when physics suggested he would sink. He managed to step out into the unknown and continue his steps until he focused on the swirling wind and took his eyes off Jesus (Matthew 14: 29-30). Only then was he not able to continue through the rough waters.

God has led our steps in the past, and He will do so again. We may not understand what is happening and why, but we can trust that He knows. We cannot determine the route of this journey, but we don’t need to; He will.

Keep your faith strong and your eyes on Him.

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