Through the Fog

"Do we have to leave already?" moaned Becky as she and her family prepared to go home. They had spent the last few days with Grandpa and Grandma Smythe and had enjoyed long talks, jokes, and good fellowship with one another. Now the time had come to say good-bye-a long "good-bye" because in less than a week, Becky's family was leaving for Peru to serve as missionaries.

Grandma put an arm around Becky. "Grandpa and I hate to have you go, too," she said, "but we'll be in touch. I'm so glad we can talk by phone and through email letters. We'll be praying for each other, too. Time goes fast, and before you know it, we'll be together again."

"Oh, dear," said Mom as she looked out the window. "I think we should have left earlier. It looks like fog is settling in. I don't care much for driving through fog." Since they had brought several items to store in their grandparents' attic, Mom had driven the family car while Dad drove a truck they had borrowed.

"The fog lights on this truck will pierce through the mist pretty well, so I'll lead the way," said Dad. "Just follow me and keep your eyes on my taillights. I won't go very fast. Just trust me, and I'm sure you'll do fine."

When they left, Mom nervously gripped the steering wheel, but as the children sang choruses and Scripture songs, she gradually relaxed. It was tiring, however, and everyone was glad when they finally arrived home safely.

"As I was driving, I couldn't help but think that God was using this fog to prepare us for the work He's called us to do in Peru," said Dad after he had led in prayer to thank God for their safe arrival home. "Because we're going to an unfamiliar country, the future seems 'foggy' to us. The people, customs, and language are unknown to us. We don't know just what's ahead, but God knows all about it. He'll take care of us."

"You're right," agreed Mom. "I couldn't see very far ahead in the fog, but I had your taillights to guide me, and we have God's Word and the Lord Himself to guide us as we go to Peru. We can trust Him to see us through any 'foggy' times that come our way."

How About You?

Does an unknown future upset you? Do you worry about going to a different school or an unfamiliar town, living with a new stepparent, or handling some other new situation? God knows your fear and He knows your future. Read His Word for instruction and encouragement. Pray for wisdom. There will be both fun times and difficult times in life, but God-and only God-knows just what the future holds. As you trust Him, He will guide you and help you with any challenge you face.

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