After the Fog
November 9, 2009
The account is given of Napoleon’s battle at Waterloo. In the year 1815, the French leader gathered his forces to battle against the Duke of Wellington. We know today that Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, but how did the people living at that time learn of the news? Think of it as a point-to-point method. In other words, an English ship signaled to a man on the shore. That man relayed the word to a man on another hill, and the process continued across England. Well, the first word signaled was “Wellington.” The next word was “defeated.” After the second word was signaled, a dense fog rolled in and, as you might imagine, the messaging stopped. Throughout England people lifted up their voices in mourning and sorrow, excruciatingly discouraged by the two-word message, “Wellington defeated.” But after some time, the fog lifted. When it did, the message continued with two more words, “the enemy.” These two words caused a nation to rise from the depths of defeat to the heights of happiness. What does this mean to us, West Broad and friends? Only that two words changed the attitude and heart of tens of thousands of English citizens. Two words can have the same effect on us, today. Those two words are “Jesus Christ.” You see, this day might find you in the fog of your life (Psalm 31:9-13). As you read this article, perhaps you are bewildered by circumstance, disheartened by situations, and grieving over conditions. But there is another reality on the other side of the fog. This reality brings confidence (Phil. 4:13). He brings purpose and a future (Col. 1:27). He brings family and connection (Gal. 3:26; Jn. 13:34-35). He brings life (Jn. 11:25). So don’t be destroyed by difficulty. Remember: the real message comes after the fog. Please think about it! —JLNJR (Resource: Adapted from House to House, vol. 14 no. 5, p. 7)
