The Tunnel of Tribulation

 Life is made up of different seasons. There are joyous occasions to celebrate like a first date, a first kiss, a wedding, the birth of a child, the blessing of grandchildren, and other milestone moments. People gather. They have wide smiles spread across their faces. Most people are overjoyed on such occasions. 

On the other hand, there are long stretches of life we call the tunnel of tribulation. I refer to it as a tunnel because it is long and dark. You can't see the light at the end of the tunnel when you enter or even when you are in the middle of it. It is disorienting. It is not pleasant. The one thing you want is to get through the tunnel of tribulation as fast as possible. Sometimes this season lasts much longer than we desire. 

We've all endured this tunnel of tribulation at times. It may come in the form of death of an aging parent or even the premature death of a child. It may involve navigating the turbulent adolescent years with a child. It could involve one financial set back after another. It could also include working through a wounded spirit due to abuse or bullying. This may also be a season of declining health. The tunnel of tribulation could involve numerous situations. 

We should not be surprised. Jesus told us we would experience such tribulations. He told us in Jn 16:33 that we would have tribulation in this world. In Him, we can find peace to endure it and find courage because He has overcome the world. Peter wrote in I Peter 4:12-13 that we should not be surprised at the fiery ordeals we faced that test us, and to remember that people all over the world face tribulations. It is part of the human experience. 

We can get bitter. Many choose this option. They grow bitter toward  God, family, friends, and coworkers. These are unpleasant people to be around. They have a doom and gloom attitude about everything and everyone. You can also choose the option of faith. To trust God to get you through the tunnel of tribulation to better days. This is perfectly illustrated after God delivered Israel through the parting of the Red Sea, they came to a place called Mara in the desert. The only body of water in the place was so bitter they could not drink it. They complained to Moses and grumbled against God. God instructed Moses to throw a tree into the water to make it drinkable. Right after this God led Israel to Elim. There were 12 springs of water and 70 date Palm trees to find shelter. The Mara season did end and the season of Elim came. Ex 15:22-27

Some of you are in Mara. It is the tunnel of tribulation. By faith believe that Elim is also coming. We endure Mara to get to Elim. The tunnel of tribulation does not last forever. You never know when your season of Elim will come around the next bend.