DOUBTING IN THE DARKNESS

“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”  (2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV)

Last spring I had a memorable day. My daughter graduated from college, I turned fifty years old, and I spoke at her commencement -- all on the same day. But the most memorable line of the day involved none of that. A man named David Winter had been president of her school for over a quarter of a century. Toward the end of his term, as he was looking forward to retirement, he suffered a disease that over a period of three weeks robbed him of his sight. As we processed up to the graduation platform, he had to hold the arm of another to guide him. And in his words of greeting to the students and parents, he said, "Never doubt in the darkness what God has shown you in the light." 

-- John Ortberg in “Faith & Doubt”

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WALKING WITH GOD

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  (Ephesians 5:2 NIV)

If I love God I will give myself completely to Him, surrendering each person and each thing in my life to His care. I do not need to be afraid to do this, though, as I would if God were a human being asking me to make this sort of surrender. God not only asks me to give everything to Him, but He has already given everything to me, including His own Son; His love and commitment to me are far greater than I can ever imagine. Loving Him requires me to totally abandon myself -- but my life is completely safe in His hands. 

-- Elizabeth Prentiss in “Selections from Stepping Heavenward”

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