The Way Forward: Clear Vision for the Road Ahead

Have you ever been driving along the highway on what appeared to be a beautiful summer day when you were suddenly overtaken by a violent rainstorm? Seemingly out of nowhere, dark clouds appeared, fierce winds blew, and torrential rain poured. Despite the conditions, you were determined to keep going until you reached your destination. You were well on your way, when instantly, your view became severely obstructed by the storm.

I imagine that if you have been through such a storm, you can likely relate to some necessary measures to take during such times that can help you continue your travels safely, if you must feel you must continue. Perhaps you know to slow your speed, and to eliminate all distractions so that you can fully focus on the road. But even with those actions, sometimes you are left with nothing to rely on to guide you through the challenging situation but the lights from the car in front of you. So you pray that the driver is alert and can safely, although perhaps unknowingly, guide you until you reach brighter, clearer skies.

Shift gears with me and picture for a moment a similar, but more spiritual, scenario. You are going throughout your life on a pleasant, carefree journey when seemingly out of nowhere appears a “spiritual storm,” some trial or trouble that you didn’t expect and for which you were not prepared. You have lost sight of the path ahead of you and you are not sure if you can make it through. When this type of storm hits, how do you react? How do you find your way?

I will tell you how. You follow your Light. Only, your Light is bigger, brighter and stronger than any other light you have experienced in your life. Your Light of course is Jesus, the Light of the world. His light dispels all darkness as He assures you through His word that “you will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). Light for your life, Light for your path, Light for your journey. Great news!

But can Jesus really guide you through your storm? Does He really know and can He relate to all the crazy things I am going through, you may be asking. Well, the good news is that Jesus has already been through the storm. He already knows the way out and has already forged a path for you. When He walked this earth, He walked your walk. He experienced trials, emotions, and persecution just like you may experience during your own personal storm. So He is quite capable and qualified to lead the way for you. You can feel confident in following His clear vision through your storm.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus looked to the clear vision of the Father and did only what He saw His Father doing, as it says in John 5:19. Even in His darkest hour, when Jesus’ vision became clouded by doubt and fear upon knowing the time was near for Him to die, He was able to ultimately submit to the Father’s vision, declaring “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42). Jesus was able to see us through the Father’s eyes of love, and so got in line with the One who had clear vision.

Jesus was One with the Father, so you may be thinking, “Well, of course, He could accept God’s vision.” But through His strength, you can do the same. As you follow Jesus along the sometimes obstructed path, you too will ultimately get in line with God’s vision, God’s ultimate purpose, for your life and for this world.

Now keep in mind that when you are following the Light, there may be others who are who are not as familiar with the Light as you may be. In some cases they may be totally unaware of His existence or it may be just that their view is obstructed. They are relying on you to help them find their way. So remember, as it says, in Matthew 5:14-16, “You are the light of the world…” You should not hide your light, but should “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Now, some storms are so severe that they threaten to take you off your path completely. They challenge your faith. It is for this reason that you must make sure that you take extra precautions even before a storm rises in your life. Make sure that you put God first (Matthew 6:33), and place your trust in Him to direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Allow His vision to become your vision so that, even when your storm hits, you can get back on track with what He has planned for you.

He has a high calling on your life for which you must keep pressing because He is taking you somewhere. Get your encouragement to keep moving forward from Philippians 3:14, which says, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Know with assurance from Jeremiah 11:29, that “God knows the plans He has for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” With such verses to equip you, you should be well prepared to emerge safely from any storm.

Still, sometimes all the preparation in the world cannot keep you from experiencing a storm every now and then. So when you do, keep your eyes focused on the Light ahead of you all times. Don’t allow yourself to be taken by storm, but instead, follow Jesus because He is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Get in line with God’s clear vision, and no matter what storms you face, the path before you will illuminate the way forward to brighter, clearer days ahead.

What are some ways you can let your light shine before others?