Sometimes, You Can’t See in the Dark

A heard a story about a general, a private, a nice-looking young woman, and an older elegant woman, riding together on a train. The conductor came by and let them know that about 15 miles out of the city, they will go through a tunnel, and it will get dark for about 20 seconds. As they went through the tunnel, amid the darkness, there was a loud kiss followed by what sounded like someone getting slapped. A few seconds later, they came out of the tunnel, and you could see that the general had a big red mark on his face from where he had been slapped. No one said a word.

The older lady could not believe that the general would have been so foreword with the young lady, but at least she put him in his place.

The younger lady thought that the older lady had been kissed, and she was glad that she had taken up for herself.

The general, who knew that he had not kissed anyone, thought that the private must have kissed the younger woman, and she mistakenly thought that he had done it.

Only the private knew what really happened. When the train went through the tunnel, the private brought his hand to his mouth and kissed it loudly, then he reached over and slapped the general. He knew this would be the only way he could ever get away with slapping the general!

Moral of the story:  Many times, even with your being right in the middle of what is going on, you can’t see the whole story. Never forget, God is in control. Everything will be alright.

Let me remind you, when you go through those dark places in life, even though you are experiencing it, many times you cannot see the whole story. Throughout God’s Word, we find where people had to decide whether to walk by faith or by sight.

Sometimes, when it doesn’t make sense to gather together jars to fill with oil that you don’t have, you just gather them together, and not just a few… 2 Kings 4:2-7

Sometimes, when it doesn’t make sense to go where Jesus is because you have an issue of blood, you just press into the crowd because He is your only hope… Mark 5:25-34

Sometimes, when it doesn’t make sense to cry out to God because of your blindness, when everyone just wants you to keep quiet, you just cry out a little louder… Mark 10:46-52

Sometimes, when it doesn’t make sense to bless that happy meal because you know it is not going to feed so many hungry people, you bless it anyway… John 6:1–14

Sometimes, when it doesn’t make sense to try one more time, when you have worked your hardest and got nothing for your effort, you give it one more try.

That’s what happened to Peter. Jesus had just used Peter’s boat as a pulpit, and after the sermon was over, He instructed Peter to cast his nets again. Now think about this, Peter had just worked a long, all-night shift without catching anything. He also allowed Jesus to turn his fishing rig into a temple. Now, Jesus, who is not a fisherman, is trying to tell him, Peter, who was a fisherman, how to fish. But notice what Peter said to Jesus. I have worked hard, and there are no fish to be had, but “at thy Word,” I will lower the nets again. The ability to trust in God’s Word, even when it doesn’t make sense, is what will make the difference. Luke 5:3-8

So in the middle of life’s dark tunnels, remember these three things…

God has a Purpose and Plan for you

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Rom 8:28

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer 29:11

God will provide Provision for you

My God shall supply all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

God is your Protection

Psalms 121: 1-8 (listed are verses 1-3)

1. I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come?

2. My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

3. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.