A phrase that I’ve heard on numerous accounts lately is ‘There’s light at the end of the tunnel.’ Which is somewhat true; things are certainly looking up, and the end of this pandemic does seem to be in sight.
However, I have recently experienced for myself what it is like to walk inside a tunnel, and I can honestly say although light could be seen at the other end, it felt like I’d been trudging on for ages without it getting any closer! A couple months ago as a family, we decided to walk through the Netherton Tunnel, somewhere that is fairly local to us, but we’d never previously explored (I now reflect on whether it was worth it haha). The Netherton Tunnel is the longest canal tunnel in the West Midlands, at almost 2 miles long, built in 1858 during the Victorian Era, and is still used to this day. Anyway, one of my fears is the dark, so walking through a tunnel in the complete pitch-blackness was utterly frightening. We walked for an hour along a narrow passage way, sloshing through deep puddles and tripping on uneven ground, heading towards the dim pin-point of light ahead. I’ve never felt so anxious and scared before, and it really was a test of my nerve to do it. But being inside that tunnel, made me think about the situations where we feel like we are walking through the darkness; full of fear, feeling disoriented and stumbling blindly onwards.
This pandemic has been a dark season for many, but as we move towards the end, we begin to see a more hopeful outcome. We all go through difficult times; times where we feel in the darkest of places, unsure of finding a way out. Walking through life can sometimes feel like it did walking through that tunnel: ambling through the dark unsure of where you’re headed, which can be very scary and worrying. However, we are not alone. Just like when I was in the tunnel, my anxiousness was calmed by the fact my Dad was there walking beside me. In the same way, we can be comforted through our darkest moments, through life’s uncertainties, in every aspect of our lives, by the presence of our Father. God is always with us, and will never forsake us.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
Through your persistent faith and trust in God, you will reach the other side, and step out again into the light. When we go through difficult times, it is not always clear why we had to endure such things. However, I believe that sometimes we have to go through darkness in order to appreciate the light. It is all to easy to take for granted the good times, that until we encounter some hardships, we don’t realise how blessed we truly were. Sometimes God needs to shake us up, in order for us to remember just how much we need Him daily, regardless if we are in a good or bad situation.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1Thessalonians 5:16-18
Consider this past year: What lessons have you learnt during this lockdown season? What areas of your life has God been working on?
For me, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for what I have in life: my family, friends, work, stability, all the opportunities and experiences I have had etc. I’ve become more thankful for what each day brings, including all the trials and hardships, as I’ve discovered they are just as important as the joyous moments; every experience holds a place in helping me to grow and change as a person for the better. I’ve focused in on the smaller things in life and being truly grateful for things like nature and the outdoors; God’s creation is so awe-inspiring and I am so lucky that I am able to explore it so freely, it really has been such a sanctuary for getting through these lockdown periods.
As well as the points mentioned above, a big lesson I have learnt is to be patient. The timing of the lockdown came at a moment in my life where I was feeling restless and agitated with where I was currently at. However, spending the past year unable to go anywhere and do most things, I’ve been able to see that what I thought was the right time for my plans were in fact the complete opposite. God knew this pandemic was on the horizon, so inevitably the things I wanted then would not have worked out; the timing was not right. But not just that, the things I wanted then, were not intended for me. I have learnt that waiting on God’s directions and plans is so much better than pinning my hopes and dreams on what I think is best, and in fact when I wait on Him, the things that do come along within His timing are even greater than what I could have envisioned. Although I still do resort back to my old habits of over-thinking or trying to gain back some control, I have seen a difference within myself, that now I’m taking things more slowly, living more in the moment and focusing more on the present, instead of concentrating on the future and always looking ahead to the next thing.
So, when everything eventually goes back to normal and this pandemic is all over, I want to remember the changes and growth that have shaped me into a better person, and I don’t want to fall back to my previous ways of living. Instead, I want to carry forward the appreciative outlook I have developed and to show greater gratitude towards others. To seize each day and enjoy the little moments. Above all else, to continue waiting on God’s directions, strengthening my faith by seeking Him more, and trusting in Him to show me where I am headed.
There is light at the end of this tunnel, but there will be more ‘tunnels’ along life’s journey. However, each time such a one arrives, God will be there will you, taking your hand and leading you through the unknown. We must simply trust in Him and remember all the times God has been with us before. With God alongside us, anything is possible, nothing is too difficult to overcome; remember a tunnel always has to have another end, and likewise the end of your hardships will come to. Therefore, I would encourage you to reflect on the time of this pandemic: as we exit the darkness and move towards the light of normality, consider what fresh outlook, thoughts or lessons you will take with you.
God Bless 😊 x
STEADFAST 