Light in the Tunnel
by Annie Yorty
If we can see the end of a difficulty, we can endure almost anything. But when we can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel, hope wanes. Followers of Jesus, though, don’t need to look for the end. We always have light in the tunnel.
A Long Tunnel
One summer, my husband and son biked the Great Allegheny Passage. Along the way they encountered Big Savage Tunnel, a two-thirds mile long repurposed railroad passage through a mountain. They biked through the eerie darkness guided by fluorescent lights affixed to the rocky ceiling at long intervals.
Pausing somewhere near the midpoint, they looked forward. Then they looked behind them. Other than the dim glow of the bulbs, there was no light, and no visible evidence of a beginning or end. In their heads, they knew they would reach the end eventually. But an uneasy feeling settled over them until they biked far enough to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
When the sunshine-filled arch penetrated the murky depths, they breathed a sigh of relief and pedaled with renewed vigor. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel relieved the minor fear of being stuck in the dark forever.
Light in the Tunnel
Years ago, a prophet of God named Isaiah found himself, along with his entire nation, in the middle of a pitch-black tunnel of awful circumstances. God tasked him with delivering a message of judgment to his countrymen. They had abandoned God and turned to worship idols. Ignoring His commands, they went their own way. In sin, they had dug their own tunnel, and God was going to send them into exile far from home.
Yet Isaiah wrote the following words that ended up in his book to give hope.
In that day you will sing: “I will praise you, O Lord! You were angry with me, but not any more. Now you comfort me. See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! In that wonderful day you will sing: “Thank the Lord! Praise his name! Tell the nations what he has done. Let them know how mighty he is! Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things. Make known his praise around the world. Let all the people of Jerusalem shout his praise with joy! For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.” (Isaiah 12:1-6 NLT)
I wonder how Isaiah could praise God while sitting in darkness. Somehow, he perceived light–even in the middle of their tunnel.
Much of the book of Isaiah centers on the coming Messiah. He recorded many specific visions God gave him of Jesus.
Isaiah’s understanding of the coming Messiah turned on light in the darkness. Right there in the middle, with no light visible from either end, Jesus, Light of the World, chased away every shadow.
Is there light in your tunnel?
Maybe you’re sitting hopeless in the center of your own tunnel—one you’ve made, one caused by someone else, or just a seemingly random circumstance.
Do you know you don’t need to wait for the end of the tunnel for light and hope to appear? Jesus is the Light within your tunnel. He’s lighting the way with guidance, hope, and yes, even joy, from beginning to end. Can you perceive it?
If you’re in a tunnel right now, seek Jesus. Read His words in the gospel of John. Look for Jesus in chapters forty and forty-one of Isaiah. You’re sure to find Him.
You don’t need to wait for the end of the tunnel for light and hope to appear. Jesus is the Light in your tunnel. Share on XHow can I pray for you? If you need hope, send me a message using the contact form. It’s my privilege to lift you in prayer to the Light of the World.
Join the conversation:
How have you perceived light in the tunnel of your circumstances?
I welcome your comments!
Copyright @2023 Annie Yorty
God Sings Over You
18 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Oh how comforting I found your thoughts this morning Ms. Annie. We have 75mph winds, a little hail, and some pretty hard rains last evening, leaving us in the dark. Knowing that God would preserve us was comforting, and so was knowing that the morning is coming. Now to go survey the damage. It’s all temporary until the day. God’s blessings ma’am.
Annie Yorty
I heard about the wicked storms sweeping through your area, J.D. I’m thankful God brought you through, and I pray cleanup goes quickly. Blessings to you!
Katherine Pasour
I’ve often felt fear of darkness–that there was no light at the end of the tunnel. But thankfully, those fears were brief and I turned to my Lord and source of Light. Your analogy is so appropriate and so well written. Congratulations on your Selah nominations–so well deserved.
Annie Yorty
Thanks, Katherine. Congrats to you too for your Selah nomination! Aren’t you glad the presence of the Lord banishes all fear?
Barbara Latta
What a beautiful reminder that we don’t have to face the darkness alone. Christ is always there, our Light of the world. Thank you Annie!
Annie Yorty
Thanks for your visit, Barbara!
Teresa
Congrats Ann, you deserve this reward!! Love your encouragement, my friend!
Annie Yorty
Thanks, my friend!
Debbie Wilson
Annie, your post reminded me of Micah 7:8, “Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.” Yes!! Darkness and light are alike to Him.
Annie Yorty
Thank you, Debbie, for adding some solid truths to this conversation. Isn’t our Lord wonderful?
Candyce Carden
I love Isaiah’s story and how his people triumphed over darkness. His book is filled with wisdom and hope. The darker the night, the brighter Jesus shines.
Annie Yorty
I’m with you, Candyce. I find so many verses that give me hope. Thanks for visiting!
Yvonne Morgan
I love your perspective on your post today. We do always have light in the tunnel no matter how dark or long. Thanks for sharing
Annie Yorty
I couldn’t get through life without God’s light in the tunnel. Thanks for visiting, Yvonne!
Joanna Eccles
I remember a very dark season in my life when I was flying to see a sick friend. As my metro car pulled out of the station, I thought I glimpsed an advertisement that said “There is a light at the end of the tunnel.” I couldn’t find the sign again when I returned, but I still remember the hope it gave me at the time. God hasn’t brought us this far to drop us on our heads. Instead, He is carrying us through to the other side. Thanks for sharing.
Annie Yorty
Amen! God has a plan for us, and He will see us through to completion. Thanks for visiting, Joanna.
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