The Long, Dark Tunnel

Written by ​Peggy Lundy - ​Heartland Church of Fort Wayne

Isn’t spring wonderful? Sunshine, warm days, bright daffodils, vibrant violets, and soft new grass are reminding us life gets renewed. Nature continues to sing as if the only trouble it’s known lately was winter, just like every year since forever. And yet, in spite of all that reawakening, we have been put on hold . . . indefinitely.

Waiting has never been a hardship for me, especially when alone, but I’ve never enjoyed waiting for an indefinite length of time. The ever-moving, shifting date for the end of “hunkering down” is distressing. It’s like being in an ever-extending railroad tunnel, that no matter how long or how fast your train flies down the track, the light at the end is always far, far away. Voices all around you are frightened, nervous, demanding, threatening, and accusatory. You try clinging to hope but feel it disintegrate with the light. It seems as though the darkness could smother you. You take a deep breath, fearing it will be your last. Then you hear a voice of calm in the chaos saying, “Soon. The light will return. The tunnel grows shorter.” 

The conductor. Of course! If anyone knows when the tunnel ends, he does. He’s certainly ridden these rails before. Your pulse slows. Another deep breath relaxes your straining nerves. And the tunnel becomes just another part of the journey, another detail along the way. 

As we chug along this track through the spring of 2020, remember to listen for the voice of The Conductor.  Here are some of His Words I have been hearing. What has He been speaking to you? Write them down. Repeat them until they take root in your thoughts. 

“But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Luke 21:28 NASB 

“I will never leave you or forsake you.“ Hebrews 13:5b HCSB 

“My plans are going to bless you, not bring you harm.” Jeremiah 29:11 (paraphrased)

“I make things work together for your good. Especially as you love me and pursue my purposes for your life.” Romans 8:28 (paraphrased)

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 2:11 NASB

“Keep rejoicing, keep praying, and keep giving thanks in everything.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (paraphrased)

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:13 NASB
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Prayer:  Heavenly Father, thank You that Your presence is always with us, comforting us and lighting our path. Please, attune our ears to more clearly hear Your voice. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

*credit to Rhonda Bailey (Heartland Church of Fort Wayne) for this devotional's visual content.