Holding onto Faith in the Dark (Part 2)

Holding onto Faith in the Dark (Part 1) describes my husband’s and my initial visit to Hong Kong and the Pastor Search Committee’s invitation to return for a trial sermon. Yet we struggled with practical concerns about a potential move. How could we respond to the needs of aging parents and young adult children? The church was warm and welcoming, but we knew precious little about Chinese culture. We grew up in wide open spaces, yet Hong Kong’s buildings and almost seven million individuals crowded every available area. The church was English-friendly, but was the rest of the city? Would God call people like us to a place like that? We bombarded heaven with pleas for clarification.

Joseph also faced an unknown future. After his first dream, he followed the angel’s instructions and married Mary, taking on himself the shame that accompanied her unwed pregnancy. However, after a few short months, the darkness and uncertainty returned. Rome demanded that everyone travel to the town of their ancestors to register.

Dream #2 ~ A New Call to Hold onto Faith in the Dark

Joseph must have hesitated to take his pregnant wife on the ninety-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Rome, however, demanded his presence. Mary gave birth after they arrived. The young family later moved to a house where wise men from the East found them. Imagine the villagers’ shock when the foreigners’ entourage and camels paraded through Bethlehem. After the Magi presented their gifts to the new king, God warned them in a dream not to report to Herod. Instead, they should return home another way. Although Joseph knew God had led the men to Bethlehem, he must have questioned whether he could trust the Magi’s words. Did God also speak to non-Jews in the night?

Again, God spoke to Joseph in a dream, alerting him to Herod’s plan to murder the boy he considered a threat to his throne. “Get up, take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you” (Matthew 2:13 NIV). Ignoring his pounding heart, Joseph obeyed, holding onto his faith despite the darkness and taking Mary and Jesus to Egypt, where a thriving Jewish community existed. How long would they be refugees? Would the gold, frankincense, and myrrh provide enough for their needs?

Herod, enraged by the Magi’s cunning and unaware of Joseph’s departure, murdered all boys under two in Bethlehem. Because Joseph followed God’s leadership, he saved Jesus from Herod’s evil intentions.

Dream #3 ~ Partial Clarity

God communicated with Joseph in another dream after Herod died. “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead” (Matthew 2:20 NIV). Joseph responded by holding onto his faith in the dark and taking his young family to Israel, but then he wondered where they should settle. Should they return to Bethlehem?

Dream #4 ~ God Rewards Holding onto Faith Despite Uncertainty

Ever aware of his children’s questions, God warned Joseph in another dream to avoid Judea because Archelaus, the cruel son of Herod, reigned there. So, Joseph led Mary and Jesus to Nazareth in Galilee.

God came to Joseph in the dark four times, speaking to him in his dreams and calling on him to live out his faith in the dark. In each instance, God told him the next step, not the entire plan.

God Still Speaks

After much prayer about the Hong Kong church’s invitation, Harry sensed no direction from the Lord, so with a heavy heart, he refused. We grieved to let such an opportunity slip through our fingers but interpreted God’s lack of response as his answer. Yet sometimes God’s silence means “Not now” instead of “No.” The only way to know is to keep listening.

Much to our surprise, God began speaking through daily devotions, his Word, music, and sermons. No matter the delivery method, his message was the same: “Go.” Rather than address our concerns, he called us to exercise our faith in the dark by following him. Harry called the chairman of the Pastor Search Committee and asked whether they still wanted us to come. After an affirmative answer, we made plans to return to Hong Kong for the trial sermon, willing to move if they extended the call. They did, and we did.

Why does God make us wait in the dark? Darkness presents an opportunity to practice trust by holding onto our faith. Perhaps, in our case, the Lord wanted to stretch us, prepare the church, or arrange circumstances. I didn’t understand God’s silence, but he spoke when the time was right.

What About You?

Are you in the dark and searching for God’s answers? Maybe you need his direction for the next steps to take in your job, mend a broken relationship, or solve a financial dilemma. You’re not alone, and his delayed answer is not a denial of his love and faithfulness. While you wait, he’s at work. Ask God to show you a godly Christian who will listen and pray with you. In addition, please share how those of us who are your fellow strugglers can pray with and for you. You can use the Comments box below.

The Lord hears the cries of our hearts and delights in our desire to do his will. What he does in us while we wait is often as important as what we’re waiting for. When we hold onto our faith in the dark, God furthers his plan, accomplishes his purposes, and grows our relationship with him. Will you listen for God’s voice and obey his directions even in the dark?

“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” (Isaiah 30:18 NIV)

May all the peace, love, and joy of Jesus be yours as you celebrate the birth of Christ, Immanuel, God with us!

Holding onto Faith in the Dark (Part 2) by @NLucenay on Beyond the Front Door Share on X