Looking up when the way is unclear

A few weeks ago, there was heavy downfall of snow. I live on a cul-de-sac, and we live on a hill. When the snow first fell, it was beautiful and as the day went on more footfall and cars driving over the once beautiful freshly laid snow. The conditions changed and it was treacherous, icy and muddy looking.

As I watched this unfold, I was reminded how easily this mirrors our spiritual lives. In seasons of busyness or challenge, it’s easy to become focused only on what’s immediately in front of us. The demands of life pile up, and we begin to lose sight of God’s wider perspective. Our vision narrows, and trust can feel harder when the path looks treacherous.

Much of the work we do in rural communities is slow, faithful, and often unseen. Like walking carefully on an icy hill, progress can feel uncertain. We may not always see quick results or clear outcomes, and it can be tempting to focus on the difficulties rather than the quiet work God is doing beneath the surface.

At the bottom of my village, the ice had cleared along the main roads and made the journey easier but in order to get there I had to think further ahead and outside of what seems familiar and comfortable.
I am reminded of the scripture in Psalm 121

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.”
(Psalm 121:1–2, NIV)

In all that we do, especially in rural mission, let us keep our eyes lifted and fixed on Jesus Christ. When the way feels slow or uncertain, may we trust the One who sees the whole journey, steadies our steps, and faithfully leads us forward.

Rural Mission - Uncertainty - Trusting God