What do you do, when you cannot see your way clearly? What will keep you going when you see no light at the end of the tunnel? The inspired song writer, King David, tells us that when we face our darkest moments, it is not “what” to do to dispel our fears, but “Who” it is by our side to encourage us on: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for YOU are with me; YOUR rod and YOUR staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
We can walk THROUGH the darkest valley because of GOD—(i) God’s abiding presence (“You are with me”) and (ii) God’s leading and protection (“Your rod and Your staff”). Through the prophet Isaiah, God Himself makes these resounding promises: “I WILL bring the blind by a way they did not know; I WILL lead them in paths they have not known. I WILL make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I WILL do for them” (Isaiah 42:16).
Notice the emphasis: “I will…I will…I will…I will.” It’s not what we can do, but what God will do. We can’t, but HE can and HE will. We must learn to trust Him because “His promises are very sure; [and] He is a God who never fails” (James Varrick Armaah; cf. Hebrews 10:23).
So, when we cannot see our way clearly or when facing our darkest moments, we must hold on to God! (i) We must believe that He is with us and near us; and (ii) We must trust in what He can do and is willing to do. “When I try, I fail. But when I trust, He succeeds” (Phil Dunham). In our darkest moments, let’s have confidence in God’s ability and unshakeable promises: “I WILL turn the darkness into light before them and [I WILL] make the rough places smooth. These are the things I WILL do; I WILL not forsake them” (Isaiah 42:16, NIV; cf. Jeremiah 32:17, 27). We can’t, but He can and He will.—Samuel Koranteng-Pipim
© Samuel Koranteng-Pipim: Permission is granted to share thought nuggets from this website provided they are reproduced in full and are for non-commercial use only. Pertinent quotes can also be excerpted from the nuggets and shared with others. Users of both nuggets and/or quotes must acknowledge Samuel Koranteng-Pipim as the author and give the appropriate EAGLESonline link as the source.
SAMUEL KORANTENG-PIPIM,PH.D. , is a US-based Ghanaian author, inspirational speaker, leadership trainer, and an advocate for youth empowerment. He was trained in engineering and systematic theology, and has authored more than twenty books. They include his bestselling works Hope Through the Dark, Six More Chances, Healed Wounds but Ugly Scars, and Patience in the Midst of Trials and Afflictions. Dr. Pipim currently directs two Centers for Leadership Development known as EAGLES (Empowerment & Advisory Group for Leadership, Excellence, & Service) and ANANSE (African Network & Advisory for Needed Services & Excellence). www.EAGLESonline.org. He also serves as a special consultant on Bible projects for Remnant Publications. 