If you’ve ever been a snowstorm you may have experienced a whiteout. In my experience in a whiteout, I couldn’t see very far in front of me and lost my sense of direction. There was so much snow and cloud cover, I could only see vague outlines of dark objects. I was surrounded by so much “white”, I was uneasy and uncomfortable with my surroundings.
On the contrast I’ve also experienced a total blackout. During a tour of an underground cave, the tour guide shut off the only light we had in the cave. We were standing in total darkness. With our eyes wide open and zero light we couldn’t see our hands inches from our face. Again I felt a total loss of direction.
I’m convinced many Christians experience a form of whiteout or blackout spiritually. It’s a place when God seems silent. A place when many doors shut and none seem to open. A place that gives the appearance you have been forgotten by the Father. It’s a place that our practiced biblical principles leave a hollow sound in our soul. It’s a portion of space in our lives when there is a disappearance of comfort and peace.
Are you experiencing a whiteout or blackout?
I am and it hasn’t been pretty for me. Within a year I’ve experienced several losses and changes. I do understand that my situation is much less distressing than most of the world. But the circumstances we face as individuals can be painful. My pain brought me to a place of personal inner exposure. It brought a book of questions I must answer. What are my deep beliefs and convictions and are they wrong? Do I see grace and holiness as God see’s them? Do my disciplines bring me to a place of self-righteousness? Layer upon layer I’ve had to deeply consider many aspects of my life and faith. Deeper yet, do I believe God is good? Do I follow Him because of love or fear?
If you are encountering a whiteout or blackout, take note of the questions you are hearing in yourself. They may lead you to a place that the Spirit of God wants to show you so He can heal you. A deep rooted false belief may be hindering you from a genuinely whole and pleasant life. Letting the Spirit work with you may be painful but remember Romans 8:28.
We are assured and know that [ God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.
Next Level Thinking requires us to consider the reasons for our spiritual whiteout or blackout. It presses us to stretch our faith and believe our Father is up to something good in our lives.