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The Other Side

Have you been on one side of a tunnel wondering what to expect in the end? Metaphorically speaking, I have been through several tunnels in my life. Tunnels are often dark, narrow, and a little uneasy if you have a tendency to feel claustrophobic. In other words, they are not always comfortable. But when you come to the other side of a tunnel, you can look back on the unease and discomfort with the assurance that God was there all along.



“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”  Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬


I don’t know about you, but I’m a list person. My day-to-day is comprised of tasks that need to be completed in order for me to feel successful at the end of the day. Simply put, I don’t handle surprises well. In the moment of crisis, I can adjust and rearrange plans. But I don’t usually like it, and am left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.


That being said, I can’t imagine the weight on Joshua when we look at the story behind these words. He has discovered that his mentor and spiritual father, Moses, was passing the torch to him. What?! I can picture Joshua’s face going white with the thought of filling those shoes. Hence, Moses’ words in the reference above.


The thing is, big picture viewing is a blessing and a curse. Big picture people are visionaries. Joshua must have seen the big picture. I can see the big picture with elements of my life. On the flip side, big picture viewing can also be overwhelming. So God sends us into tunnels. 


Tunnels require us to trust what we don’t see. We know that there is an end to every tunnel we go through. In the meantime, we have to focus on what is immediately surrounding us until we reach the other side.


“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭20:24‬ ‭NLT‬‬


If we really are following Christ with our whole heart and trust God with the plans He has for us, there will be moments we don’t understand about the journey. Let me be clear, God doesn’t expect us to understand His ways. He does anticipate us questioning, just as children ask their parents the never-ending “why” when they are told something must occur that they don’t understand or want to do. It’s okay to question. He will still love us and gently remind us to trust Him. 


Speaking from experience, the tunnels are where I learn more about God and about my relationship with Him. Tunnel-vision allows me to focus on Him and helps me grow into what He sees in me. And He will be there when we reach the other side.


Prayer for those in the tunnels:


God help me to see and feel you even when I can’t see or understand anything around me. I know you never leave or forsake me, and I trust you even in the tunnels of life. Thank you that there is an end to every tunnel we go through, and You will be there in every moment. Help me to learn what you are teaching me in Jesus’ name. Amen.


© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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