Have you ever been in a swirling storm of uncertainty and suddenly a ray of hope breaks through? A light pierces the darkness. An answer comes to a question. Joy takes the place of struggle.

2023 has been a busy and challenging year so far. There’s been so much going on, with additional changes brewing that tug on my attention and emotions. I’ve gone through times of being discouraged and doubtful. I’ve been weary and exhausted.

I’ve been seeking the Lord for direction, and though He hasn’t given me a lot, it’s always enough for the day.

Especially those days when He sends a ray of hope.

A few weeks ago He sent a big one. I received an e-mail from someone in the publishing industry. Someone with whom I’d had very positive interactions, but I had become convinced that this was going to be a closed door. In fact, when her name popped up in my inbox, my thought was: “Here it is.” I took a breath and opened it, ready for the bad news I was sure it would contain.

It was not bad news.

It was very, very good news!

Later someone asked me if I started jumping up and down when I read the e-mail. Nope. I didn’t. Partially because I was holding a sleeping child at the time. 😉  But also because my first reaction wasn’t over-the-top excitement. It was to sit there with tears running down my face, equal parts ashamed over my lack of faith and amazed that God had opened this door even so. My faith had been small, but He lit the way to take another step forward.

We need light for our journeys, and the Lord knows that. He talks about His Word being a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Are you looking for that light? Seeking to catch a ray of hope splash in its puddle?

It feels so different to stand in the light instead of standing in worry and doubt.

I still have plenty of uncertainty swirling around me, but as I walk through my days, I’m anticipating the next ray that He will send. It’s going to break through the storm. He already knows the way and He’s going to light it up in His time.

The waiting is hard, but each time He comes through it makes it easier to continue trusting Him. He always proves Himself faithful. Today is not going to be any different.

Your ray might not be a publisher requesting your full manuscript, but it will be just what you need. Have faith. His light will shine.

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Image by Günther Schneider from Pixabay