The Lighthouse

John 8:12 – I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (NIV)

Recently, some friends and I spent several days on an island where we visited a lighthouse and enjoyed staying at a native lodge. The lighthouse was still maintained by a human being, which was different than so many modern lighthouses maintained automatically, without anyone living there. That made me think of Jesus who said that He was the light of the world. Is He still maintaining the world's light? Of course He is. I have evidence!

As followers of Jesus, we believe that He lights our way. He said so in today's Scripture. So, when we do His will, the way ahead is made clear. There is help, hope, and happiness along the road, literally. It simply feels good to go that way; we just know that this is the right decision to take.Other times, we go the wrong way, through our stubbornness, but the way ahead is harder and with less light, since Jesus still lights our path, but from the side or behind, beckoning us to turn and follow Him.

Years ago, I was wondering about finishing my theological courses and being ordained. I had thought about going into ministry for years, but women were not then ordained in our church denomination. Now, this decision meant going east again, crossing Canada, and returning to Knox College for another year. Where would I get the money? Where would I stay?

I'll never forget the day when a letter came for me, mailed days before, from Bermuda. An old family friend, who greatly admired my dad's ministry in Bermuda, had died. Her will stated that several thousand dollars were to go to me, his daughter. Well, that money arrived just as I was settling in to that year at Knox College. Yes, I can prove it: Christ's light does shine on our path revealing the way ahead. All we need to do is follow His guidance and walk confidently in faith.

Do you know that feeling, having a lot of confusing thoughts, yet with hope and much prayer? Of course you do — this is the Christian's life, following Christ, regardless of the trouble along the way. It is while we are tossed on the oceans of life or lost in the forest among the tall trees along the new road ahead, that we look for a light. Jesus is there — a wonderful, reassuring, shining light on our path.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being there along the hard turns in life's road. As we look ahead to today, we walk in confidence, even though we do not always know the way ahead. We believe that You are there, shining the light on our road today. Thank You, Lord. We will follow You throughout this day and always. Amen.

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