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i.can.barely.see

July 19, 2010
By herbhalstead

I was at Thrive Church the other evening. We worship in a warehouse building. I love it. It is very versatile, but because it is a warehouse, there are very few light switches, and none of them are conveniently located. I left something in the sanctuary, and went through the “side door” because it was the closest to me. Unfortunately, there are no light switches at this door. As I opened it and looked in, I saw that it was incredibly dark, even with some light peering in from the door I was getting ready to walk through. I took out my iPhone, and launched my flashlight app, but it hardly gives out any light – I could hardly see. I knew we had some furniture in the middle of the way, so I walked slowly, with the “flashlight” just barely lighting each individual step. I had no frame of reference except my memory of the room and this tiny, dim spot on the floor.

(Psalm 119:105)

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light for my path.

According to this passage (in context) I can trust in what God has already done and said – and that is enough to light my path.

I am preaching a series through the book of Daniel, titled “Trust God.” I have to admit it has been as personally challenging to me as to anyone in the congregation. I have a particular situation in my life right now where the way has become obscured. I cannot see beyond this moment. But, I want to see MORE than just the step I am taking right now. I want to see MORE than the limits of the faint light before me. But sometimes, God works like that iPhone “flashlight” – revealing just enough so that we can put our foot down firmly – and that’s it.

Can you live with that?

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8 Responses to i.can.barely.see

  1. michael on July 19, 2010 at 11:38 am

    First off, I never knew there was an app for that. (sorry that was corny)

    Seriously though, this hits hard. I too desire to see past this moment. I too want to see more than the current step. I’d like to open the book and go the the last chapter and see how it ends.
    michael recently posted..Running In SandMy ComLuv Profile

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    • herbhalstead on July 19, 2010 at 11:52 am

      I just realized something – that small spotlight on the floor is a sign of His presence in the situation – there could be no light at all…

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      • michael on July 19, 2010 at 1:12 pm

        Good point. No light at all would be a petrifying situation.
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  2. jasonS on July 19, 2010 at 11:45 am

    Herb, this is a great post and illustration. We are on the same page today (at least in writing). :) My mind can take me all over the place, but the uncertainty doesn’t have to take up residence there if I watch for it and combat it with truth. Thanks.
    jasonS recently posted..Meditation on Perfect PeaceMy ComLuv Profile

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    • herbhalstead on July 19, 2010 at 11:50 am

      “residence” – I love that word – we are all going to have at least fleeting thoughts of uncertainty and doubt – because we have the witness of His word, and His past experiences with us, we ought to be able to sweep those fleeting thoughts out the door.

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  3. Rick on July 19, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    When I sit and think about it. The light to me shows that God is with us and provides what we need. It brings me back to James 1:2-5, I love those verses.

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    • herbhalstead on July 19, 2010 at 12:18 pm

      Hey everyone this my brother :-)
      - I think you’re right :-)

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  4. Caleb Joyner on July 23, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    God is “a lamp unto our feet”, and not a flood light down the path.

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