My dad and I took a drive, that I will not soon forget. It was quite a few years ago and I can honestly say I do not remember why we were on this particular drive, other than we were headed home. We had been heading down a highway. My dad had sat in the passenger seat and I was driving. Everything was going as planned. Suddenly, up ahead there was a car on fire, surrounded by an intense amount of smoke. The driver and car were already having been assisted; though the thick smoke still engulfed the atmosphere surrounding it. I begged my dad to not make me drive through it. Though I knew I had no choice. There was no exit ramp to get off of, there was no turn around, and there were no options but to go through it. I told my dad I would pull over and he could lead us through it. My dad told me that I needed to do it, that I could do it. He was surprisingly calm, as he continued to reassure me. As we got closer, the smoke became thicker and I became more frightened. My dad’s reply was simply to just move forward, slowly, carefully. To keep the steering wheel straight ahead. I was truly living in the moment, hoping for the next. Doing my best to carry me through to the other side of this smoke-filled space, that I was traveling through. It was like driving through a dark gray cloud, and that was all that could be seen. By God’s grace and my dad’s careful instruction, I was suddenly out on the other side. Relief taking over, as the path ahead was clear and the thick, dark smoke behind me.

Life can feel like we are traveling through scary and unknown territory. Like we are driving through smoke and we cannot see the other side of things. As with anything in life; it is best to listen to our Father, God. To move slowly, carefully. To keep moving straight and forward on that path ahead. To keep allowing God to nurture us through it. For we will come out on the other side. Things in one way or another, will become clear again. For God is on any road that we take in this life. Whether when things are clear and go as planned; and even during those times we feel like we are lost in the smoke and we cannot see our way out. God will lead us through it all, no matter what. Friend, if you are in the part of your life where you cannot see what is ahead, remember; God is with you now and He will be with you, to see you through. With God even when things seem like they are filled with smoke; God will give clarity. We must just listen to His voice as He carries us through the smoke that sometimes fills our lives. For with God, though we may not always see where things are going; we can have peace that He knows. For life is always truly better with our Father, traveling through it with us.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 121:8 NIV

the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.