We have confidence in our own understanding when we can see clearly where we are going. And the depth of our faith is tested when we cannot see and we’re not in control. But this is our path toward spiritual maturity – learning to trust God even through the night.
Most young kids would be too afraid to walk down a dark street at night by themselves, even in their own neighborhood. But there’s peace as they’re holding the comforting hand of their parents. While the kid might not see where he’s going, he trusts his mom or dad will take him safely to where he needs to be. And it’s this child-like faith we need as we walk through our dark nights of life.
On the one hand, we say we trust God, but this usually extends only as far as we can see. We like knowing the plan and having a sense of control in its execution. But this is not where our faith grows. We mature as we learn to surrender our plans, timelines, and understanding to God. It’s a willingness to enter into the darkness of the unknown simply holding God’s hand and trusting he’s guiding us to where we need to be.
For instance, this might be trusting in his grace as he works out things in our job or marriage, as we parent our children, or those unspoken desires deep in our hearts. We’re walking through the darkness of night because we don’t see the plan, and perhaps not even signs of movement. And as much as we might like to control the situation, there’s nothing for us to do, save to walk hand-in-hand with God.
And it seems God uses these dark nights to purify our faith.
In the end, keep your hand firmly in God’s as you walk through the dark nights of uncertainty. You’re in good hands and he’s taking you exactly where you need to be.
