Trusting in the Dark
By Pastor Jerry A. Burns
During World War II, six Navy pilots returned from a mission searching the seas for enemy submarines. Darkness had already fallen when they attempted to locate their aircraft carrier. But the captain had ordered a complete blackout—no lights, no signals—so the ship would not become a target. Over and over the pilots radioed in desperation: “Just one light. Give us one light so we can land.” Each time the answer came back: no. Finally, radio contact was broken, and with no visible runway, the pilots were forced to ditch their planes into the ocean.
Imagine the fear in those cockpits. They were close to home. They had done their duty. They only needed one small light. But the greater mission required darkness. What felt cruel in the moment was strategic from a higher vantage point.
There are seasons in the Christian life when we plead for one light—one clear answer, one visible sign, one change in circumstance. “Lord, just show me something.” Yet heaven seems silent. The lights remain out. It feels as though we are circling in the dark.
But God sees what we cannot. The blackout on that ship was not neglect—it was protection. If even one light had been turned on, it could have exposed the entire crew to enemy attack. In the same way, what feels like denial may actually be divine protection. What seems like silence may be sovereign wisdom.
Faith is not trusting when the runway is lit. Faith is trusting when you must descend into darkness believing that God is still in control. The heroes of Hebrews 11 “obtained promises” and “escaped the edge of the sword,” but they did so through faith—not sight. Sometimes obedience leads to bright victory. Sometimes obedience leads to dark waters. But in both places, God is present.
We do not measure God’s faithfulness by how many lights He turns on for us. We measure it by His unchanging character.
If you are asking God for “just one light” and none seems to come, do not assume He has abandoned you. Trust His higher perspective. Continue to obey, continue to pray, continue to believe. Even when you cannot see the runway, you can trust the Captain. Walk by faith, not by sight—and rest in the truth that darkness never limits the God who sees all.
"And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen." — Psalm 72:19
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This Week's Radio Program
Week Eighteen • May 3, 2026
Trusting God With Tomorrow (Pt. 3)
In this final part of the message, “Trusting God with Tomorrow,” we are brought face to face with a powerful truth from Scripture—while we often plan our days and assume the future, the Bible teaches us that life is fragile, uncertain, and completely in God’s hands. As James reminds us, our life is “even a vapour” that appears for a little time and then vanishes away . The issue is not planning, but planning without God—living as though we are in control of what only God knows.
This message walks through the heart of biblical trust: having a proper perspective of tomorrow, a humble posture before God today, and a surrendered plan that says, “If the Lord will.” Whether facing uncertainty, fear, or the illusion of control, we are called to draw near to God, rest in His care, and trust that His will is good, even when tomorrow is unknown. Because Christ has risen, our future is secure—not in our plans, but in His perfect hands.
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