Chuck Bridges Blog

I recently journeyed to one of my “secret” quiet places where I go sometimes just to clear my mind. This particular place sits by a small section of a large river. There is something therapeutic about water flowing over the rocks in a river. The setting is pristine and the sounds are so soothing. (Go ahead, close you eyes and imagine yourself sitting by this river, listening to the sounds of the water flowing over the rocks and the other symphonic offerings of nature). NOW WAKE UP SO I CAN TALK TO YOU!

Since it was morning and everything was wet I retreated to sit in my truck that was parked by the river. I was thinking, praying, and struggling with some things internally while listening to the gentle flowing water. At one point, exasperated by my inability to gain clarity on some things that I was dealing with, I closed my eyes and proceeded to ask God why things looked so dark in my perspective. I went through all the corridors of my heart and mind trying to gain some direction. Finally, in a little bit of frustration, I simply said: “God, please shed some light on these things that are plaguing my heart and mind.”

At that very instant I opened my eyes. My attention was drawn to the side mirror on the driver side of my truck. The Sun was just starting to rise in the mountains and had found the exact spot between some thick forage at an angle that appeared right in the middle of my mirror. The Sun was so shaded and small that I was able to look right at it without hurting my eyes. At first I thought, “That looks pretty cool.” Then my mind immediately thought that God was showing me that His Light is always able to penetrate any darkness or dilemma we may be facing. He also reminded me that He comes to us with exactly what we need IF we ASK Him!

I bowed my head and thanked God for the object lesson. I also spoke by faith that, even though there were still some things that I could not understand, God was in charge and I was ready to once again TRUST HIM! (you know the old “living by faith” thing) With a fresh spirit I experienced the freedom of some burdens being lifted off my chest. I smiled, closed my eyes and thanked God for what He is working out in me and for the plan He will reveal in His own time. Then, I opened my eyes again, looked at the mirror and had to look away. This time the Sun was shining through so bright that its brilliance hurt my eyes. I was so pumped by this manifestation of God’s caring provision for me, no matter what my “reality” was saying.

There are 2 simple lessons for me that I hope will help someone else: 1) When our understanding is dark, ASK God for some light; and 2) Go ahead and thank Him for working things out and claim His victory over your darkness even before you actually see things changing. This kind of unwavering faith will make God so pleased that His Glory will be amped up in greater ways than we could imagine.

After the peace returned to my inner soul I realized something else. It was almost 8:00 and I was very hungry. So, I thanked God for the experience and headed quickly to another “secret” spot where they make the best omelets, grits, and pancakes you have ever tasted. Just a hole in the wall with a great cook. I also realized how hungry I was to head into an uncertain future with confidence in the certainty of God’s plan.