The Other Side
Photo Credit: Walter Bracht, via Free Images
In September, we explored Alaska. When we arrived at Whittier, we learned that in order to get to the capital city, we would need to go through a pretty long tunnel. I immediately wondered if anyone on our tour was claustrophobic. A dark enclosed space with no end in sight can be a bit frightening — unless you focus on getting to the other side and move past your fears.
I guess it’s really all about my attitude. When I am at Disney World, I jump on to a moving cart and ride up and down and around through dark tunnels and over mountainous peaks. I know that this will be a short journey, filled with fun surprises. I never doubt that I will reach my destination. I let go of my fears, and I find pleasure in the darkness and the winding turns.
I wish I could capture that same spirit on the ride of life. If only I could remember that my destination is sure. Although I may be in a deep, dark tunnel right now, my sweet reward is just ahead on the other side.
…See, I have set before you an open door,
and no one can shut it…
Behold, I am coming quickly!
Hold fast what you have,
that no one may take your crown.
Revelation 3: 8 & 11, NKJV
Q4U: Do you forget about the “other side” when you are holding fast in the darkness? How do you set aside your fears and keep an eye on your sweet reward?
Let’s Hold Fast in 2014.
I am sharing “The Other Side” and joining like-minded sisters at Three-Word Wednesday, Coffee for Your Heart, Words of Life Wednesdays, Tell His Story, A Little R and R, Testimony Tuesday, Rich-Faith Rising, Sharing His Beauty, Playdates with God, and Unforced Rhythms.
Lyli–I tend to lose my way in fear. I cling so tightly to my need for control that I forget the One who holds the world in the palm of His hand. I’m working on being honest with God-revealing my fears instead of trying to control them! Great post and reminder!
I am a big bundle of fear, too, Alyssa. I think I quote that verse in II Timothy 1 at least a dozen times a week. I find that fear is a great tool of the enemy.
This is an excellent post. Thanks.
Now, I tend to wrap myself around my Father’s leg like a toddler and hang on for dear life. But that took many experiences of terror and being convinced the tunnel would never end; I used to have tunnel phobia. Of course, He has never let me go and, eventually, that seemed to sink in. Relapses are always a possibility.
I hear you about the relapses. Just when I think I have something “conquered,” I realize that I was just fooling myself when round 2 happens, and i have to lean into Him afresh.
This is a great analogy. Yes, I do forget about the light at the end of the tunnel when I’m in “the pit”. The more I learn to trust God and hold fast to His promises the better I am able to know there is an end to present suffering. Currently, my struggle is staying close to God and not wandering to the right or to the left. I feel like the enemy is panting in my ear.
Praying for you today, sweet Laura. God has you hemmed in and is walking with you each step of the journey. xoxo
Lyli, I’m just coming out of a deep dark tunnel, and am constantly amazed at the light on the “other side”. And as I step into a new season of life, I’m realizing that It’s so hard to just hang on and trust when we can’t see what’s coming. But His promises are sure and I want to live with reckless abandon, able to enjoy the wild ride because I know He’s at the steering wheel. Thanks for this timely reminder to hold on and savor the adventure!
Alicia, I love that phrase “reckless abandon.” That’s how God loves us, right? I pray often that I will be able to let go and pursue Him with greater fervor.
“If only I could remember that my destination is sure. Although I may be in a deep, dark tunnel right now, my sweet reward is just ahead on the other side.”
Yes, I too often forget about the “other side” when I’m in the midst of darkness. Thankfully the Lord reminds me of the light fairly quickly so I don’t linger in the dark unnecessarily long. Thanks for this reminder, too, Lyli.
“Even the dark is light to Him.” I try to remind myself of that phrase from Psalm 139 whenever I am in the dark.
Yes, i forget sometimes…Wow! Lots of food for thought. And motivation for reflection! Thank you! I need to work harder at holding fast to His reasons & not letting my exhaustion rule. That’s hard for me. Being weary is tough, but He is ever present….my hope & joy.
Yes, Kaylene! I think sometimes we do grow weary as we watch and pray. I am so thankful for the promise in Isaiah 40 that says He strengthens us as we wait.
I am experiencing some *tunnel vision* right now in my life – things feel a little dark. It all got triggered when my dad died in January. It’s funny, I’ve reflected on many things since he died, and I have thought a lot about the other side. There seems to be this tremendous tug-of-war going on right now inside me. Fear of dying, and yet, a sort of wistful longing for my true home.
I do know that I must never let go of hope. For it is hope in my sure destination that keeps me *on track*!
GOD BLESS!
We have had 2 funerals since January, Sharon. I am “with you,” sister. It’s hard to grieve and keep walking some days. Hugs and prayers to you.
So true, it’s the openendedness of waiting with God that gets me every time. Visiting from Unforced Rhythms.
Thanks for stopping by, Kelly! 🙂
“If only I could remember that my destination is sure.” So true!! I need to remember that too, every day. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday, friend!
I am prone to forget — so yes, it’s a daily remembering.
Such a reflective truth. Why is it so scary going into the darkness when we know our destination is sure. I need to hold on to this. The picture was such a great visual for this post! Linking up from Tell His Story.
Thanks for stopping by from Jennifer’s, Cathy. I was so excited when I found this picture — it captured my thoughts so perfectly.
My mother-in-law used to be afraid of flying. When my husband was working on his doctorate, he took an internship far away. She told me once that the only way she made it through the flight to see him was to “think about who was on the other side.” I wish I could keep this perspective in my faith walk took, Lyli. So often I need reminded. Thanks for this, friend.
I am so thankful that He is on the other side, Laura.
So grateful for you, friend! XO
Hugs, Holley 🙂
Lyli- Such truth here. Fear comes when we lose our focus, our eternal perspective. Thanks for sharing this message today. Much needed for me. I’m always glad I stopped by your place…