I remember the first time I climbed Currituck Beach Lighthouse in the Outer Banks. Its brick structure stands 162 feet tall. In order to climb the lighthouse, I had to walk up a circular stairwell that seemed like it stretched on forever. About halfway through, my legs started to burn, and I thought maybe I should turn around. I don’t even like heights! But my body pushed forward. Stair by stair the air grew thicker. I was breathing harder and sweating, but I continued to push through despite the discomfort I felt.
As I got further in, I began to realize how high we were by looking down the stairs I had just climbed. I started feeling anxious, so much was out of my control. What if the lighthouse fell down? What if there was an earthquake or a fire? What if we got stuck at the top? All silly, I know, but scary thoughts. Eventually, I made it to the top.
When I exited the lighthouse onto a metal circular platform, I was greeted with the most breathtaking view. I glued my body to the side and crept around to the circular frame. I was scared, but it was absolutely worth the risk and fear.
This climb for me was a lot like my faith. When I first started on my journey with God, I didn’t really know what to do, except to show up to church on Sundays. Step-by-step, I climbed deeper into my faith: getting to know “church” people, going to Bible studies and prayer meetings, reading devotionals and my Bible (I had no clue what I was doing), and listening to sermons and podcasts. All of which were a bit uncomfortable at first. It was scary to let go of control and to trust the plan God had for my life, similarly to trusting the metal deck that held me and others 160+ feet above ground.
I also love to think about this lighthouse analogy in other ways too. A lighthouse’s purpose is to notify boats in darkness that there’s land, civilization, and even shelter ahead. Once you experience the lighthouse, you know it’s there and that the view from the top is beautiful. There's nothing like it. However, the sailor or people in the boat must trust that the light is leading them to good things, despite not truly knowing. Faith is just that. It’s a light in the dark, and even though we cannot see, we have to trust God more than ourselves. In return, we can become a light for the world. Jesus said to His disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). While Paul encouraged believers in 2 Corinthians 4:6 by saying, “For God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.”
Friends, they are saying that we are a lighthouse. We can be a beacon of hope to the dark world, and we can guide others to shelter: Jesus. We absolutely must be vigilant about letting our light shine for those in the dark. Wherever you are in your faith, look for the light, and don’t just walk, but run to Him. Despite the discomfort you may feel, you won’t regret seeing the view from the top.
Have a great week, friends!
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