The Light At the End of the Tunnel

Have you ever had a dream that you dream over and over? I did. My dream started when I was four years old and it didn’t end until I was eighteen. That’s right! I dreamed this same dream for fourteen years. It was always the same and it evoked the same feelings every time. Sometimes, we have to experience something several times over before we finally get the point and make a move.

In my dream I was always in the same dark, scary tunnel. The tunnel was made of rocks and I seemed to be in the deepest part. I was all alone. No matter how much or how loud I called for my parents, they never answered. They weren’t there. I sensed something was trying to keep me there, but I couldn’t see what it was. You can be certain, it didn’t want the best for me.

As I looked out past the rocks, I could see a light at the end of the tunnel. I knew that the light was good and I knew that if I could just get to the light, I would be alright. Unfortunately, my feet were frozen by my fear and I couldn’t move toward the light. Trying to run was so frustrating especially since I could see how to escape.

Many times in our lives we too may feel like we are stuck in a tunnel, even though we can see the light at the end. Maybe you’re in just such a place now, trying to deal with the COVID lockdowns and restrictions, and life’s trials and challenges too. You hope there is a light and you see that glimmer, but you are paralyzed and your feet can’t move.

Think of the Light as Jesus, standing there full of love, compassion, mercy and grace. Think of the tunnel’s darkness as all those schemes of the enemy that he uses to hold you there. Identify the fears, doubts and questions that are keeping you from moving toward hope and the light.

You have a choice. You can remain there steeped in fear and discouragement or you can put in the effort and work to push forward, up and out of the tunnel. Knowing that Jesus is there and that His loving arms are waiting for you in the light, should be enough hope to motivate you to move. You must desire Him more than remaining in fear.

How do I know? Because that’s exactly what I had to do. When my dream was interpreted, I discovered that I had a choice to make. I could place my trust and hope in Jesus fully, and run to Him with my fears and doubts, or I could remain alone in the tunnel afraid and hopeless, unable to fulfill His plan for my life. Once I chose to shake off what was holding me down, I ran right out of that tunnel into the light. I never had that dream again.

Whatever has stolen your hope or your worth is not stronger than the love of Jesus. Whatever is holding your feet in that tunnel truly has no power over you other than what you give to it. Choose to be lifted from your burdens and whatever darkness that has overcome you and then run to Jesus. He is waiting for you to lay your burdens at His feet and come into the light. Step toward Him in faith and with hope. He will do the rest.

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46

Prayer

Lord,

You came near when I called You, and You said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; You redeemed my life. You have rescued my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. Therefore, I consider it pure joy, whenever I face trials of many kinds, because I know that the testing of my faith produces perseverance. I will let perseverance finish its work so that I may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Even if the weeping may stay for the night, my rejoicing comes in the morning. You turn my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing Your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise You forever. Amen!


Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash

Google Doc