Lighting The Way!

As we understand there are many times in life when we must “walk by faith, not by sight” ( 2 Corinthians 5:7), do we still recognize the glimpses we have been given to support that faith? Do we acknowledge the enlightenment God has provided as sufficient to guide us through until that day when all will be seen clearer? Are we able to look ahead and DISCERN ENOUGH to encourage moving onward in life’s journey toward our heavenly home?

It has been noted that “Discernment is like driving an automobile at night. The headlights cast only enough light for us to see the next small bit of road immediately in front of us. However, that light is enough to take us home.” [source: bulletin clipping]

Just as the headlights of a car are not bright enough to shine miles down the highway, so in life we may not be able to see very far down life’s road. The light of truth God has provided is enough, however, for us to press on in the present. The enlightenment of His Word can enable us to clearly DISCERN how and where we are walking right now so that we can trust His promises to ultimately see us safely home.

Writing to the church at Ephesus Paul encouraged…
“(8) for at one time you were darkness, but now YOU ARE LIGHT IN THE LORD. WALK AS CHILDREN OF LIGHT (9) (for the fruit of light is found in all that is GOOD and RIGHT and TRUE), (10) and try to DISCERN WHAT IS PLEASING TO THE LORD.” ( Ephesians 5:8-10 ESV)

Without accepting His light, there are things presently we will not be able to DISCERN because some things can only be “spiritually DISCERNED.” ( 1 Corinthians 2:14) The Hebrew writer noted a need for maturing and becoming skilled “in the word of righteousness” ( Hebrews 5:13) so as to have our “POWERS OF DISCERNMENT trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” ( Hebrews 5:14 ESV) Therefore, God’s righteous word provides light for DISCERNING both how we should walk and where the steps of the journey should take us.

As the psalmist stated…
“YOUR WORD IS A LAMP TO MY FEET AND A LIGHT TO MY PATH.” ( Psalm 119:105 ESV)

Life is taken a step at a time. Though the end of the journey should be kept in mind, keeping the gaze too far ahead may cause us to trip up from not DISCERNING what is immediately before us. Let us accept the light God provides for each step as we trust Him for when the next steps of the journey come. He will light enough of the way in front of us to help us arrive safely home.

Have a great day FOCUSED ON THE PATH IMMEDIATELY BEFORE US!
Carl

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