the cave

I have been walking in a dark cave for nearly 15 months, when I see a light up ahead. My pace quickens, and the pack I've been carrying feels a little less heavy. As I approach the light, it is realized that it is not an opening into the the fresh outside air. Instead it is a wall of stone embedded with crystal . It was reflecting the light I carried. Slowly I move the beam of light to my right. As my eyes adjust, the beam illuminates a long, narrow pathway with no visible end. Except for my small shaft of light, pitch darkness surrounds me. As I breath in the dank air, my shoulders slump, the pack feels ten times heavier now. I slide down the damp wall and sit on the hard ground. Placing my head on my knees, hands covering my face I begin to sob. I feel alone, weak and unable to continue.
"I thought this was the end! My dream of open space and fresh air fades. Instead a have another long, difficult and dark journey ahead." Paralyzed with gloom, the tears fall freely dampening my sleeves. I sit there weeping for quite some time. When I am unable to continue crying,  I sigh deeply and lift my eyes upward. I speak with deep emotion and vent all my disappointment, frustration and loneliness to the only One who is able to hear. 
I'm confident that He understands and actually cares about my plight.  He listens patiently with compassion as I take as much time as I need. The words tumble out of my mouth full of pain and confusion, but eventually they stop.  
I get up off the ground and wipe the dust from my clothing. I move forward and press on with a renewed outlook. I am not alone. He is with me in this darkness. He will show me the way and provide what I need.
A few days later, I see shafts of light beaming from ceiling. I look directly into the blinding light with eyes wide open I breath deeply, filling my lungs with the fresh air. The holes are too small for me to crawl out of, yet it is a welcomed respite from my long journey.  I realize that I can continue down this path and the miles ahead will not be the same as the ones behind. He blesses me with new information and gives me a tool that will help me during the long journey. Again, my pack feels lighter and my energy is renewed. 

"Be strong and courageous. Don’t tremble! Don’t be afraid... The Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He won’t abandon you or leave you.” 
~ Deuteronomy 31:6

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." 

~ Joshua 1:9