We are in the United States! We had been in the States for a few weeks, and I still struggle realizing that I am here and that the journey is almost over. It feels so surreal. Last fall, I thought I would never get to the race. Then in January, I thought I would never reach November. And now…I want to pump the brakes. I can’t seem to enjoy every moment to the fullest. I can’t seem to fit everything I want to do into the daily schedule. I want to spend time with my squad. I want to make more memories.
I am still working through this struggle–processing what I’ve seen and felt this year. Also, transitioning from third world countries to the United States brought its own challenges.
But in the midst of the chaos and the confusion, the Lord brought me this gem.
We were checking out different places for a hang out spot for the young adult fellowship, and in the gift shop, I found this lighthouse sign.
It caught my eye for a few reasons:
1. It is a lighthouse, and at church we had just sang “My Lighthouse” by Rend Collective. If you haven’t heard this song, check out the music video: My Lighthouse
2. It is a lighthouse in North Carolina-which reminds me of home, but also takes me back to our family trips to visit the Outer Banks when I was growing up.
3. Check out that phrase: “Love the Light, It Shows the Way.”
As soon as I saw this, I was flooded with peace. God used this simple painted piece of wood to remind me of His presence and guidance.
He spoke a reminder to me: Fix your eyes on my light. Don’t look down at the circumstances. Don’t rely on your emotions or feelings. My light will guide you in all situations. You will continue to be bombarded with distractions. But you don’t need to remain in the confusion or feel overwhelmed by life all around. I am your light, you will always find me above it all.
Then He led me to some scriptures about His character as a light.
2 Samuel 22:29 “You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” *Praise the Lord! So grateful that in the darkness of this world, I have redemption from it.
Luke 1:78-79 “…by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” *He brings peace and guidance–as surely as the sun rises.
All throughout scripture, there are references to light:
*He is my light and my salvation (Psalm 27:1)
*He wraps himself in light (Psalm 104:2)
*He is a light for my path (Psalm 119:105)
*I am the light of the world (John 8:12)
*We are called out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9)
*God is light (1 John 1:5)
As He has led me through this teaching, I hold fast to this truth.
He is my light. The lamp that leads my way. The lighthouse above the chaotic waves. The light that pierces the darkness. The source of peace that springs from keeping my eyes fixed on His marvelous light.
