I was coming back from a church in the western part of Minnesota when I encountered the worst driving conditions I have ever experienced. I couldn’t see 20 feet in front of my car. It was a pure whiteout. To make matters more frightening, the 40 mph winds had blown 5-foot drifts across one lane so drivers in both directions were forced to use the remaining one. Even going just five to ten miles an hour it was the worst white knuckle driving of my life. Now I know why the freeways out there have gates on the entrance ramps.
You might wonder why I would venture out on such a day. But being new to the prairie country out there I didn’t realize that snow can fall twice. Once when it’s coming down. And again when it blows sideways. I was experiencing a ground blizzard. While I couldn’t see 20 feet in front of the car, when I looked up I could see a beautiful sunny blue sky.
I’ve often reflected on that day because I find much of my life feels like a ground blizzard. I look around me and the path is unclear, my fears rise and it seems like there is no way I’m going to make it. But then I look up to heaven and the light is shining down on me and I am reminded that when I look in the direction of God the way is clear and the skies are blue.
Now I don’t suggest driving in ground blizzards; but when life around you feels like that, look up to Jesus and you might find that things are a whole lot brighter.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12
Pastor Mark