by Rachael Jones

This morning, I woke to a heavy fog that made my early errands a bit challenging. Driving in the fog, especially on rural roads, can feel unsettling. Landmarks you rely on disappear, leaving you unsure of your surroundings. As I drove, tempted to stop or turn around, I reminded myself that my errand was time-sensitive, and others were counting on me. So, I pressed forward, reminded that, as you move ahead, the fog clears just enough to show the next steps. 

What seems impenetrable from a distance often dissipates as you continue forward.

Some of you may find yourselves in a figurative fog—uncertain, hesitant, even fearful. The temptation to stop or retreat might feel overwhelming. But if you know your destination, the fog shouldn’t deter you. It’s a temporary veil, not the truth of where you are or where you’re headed.

One of my favorite examples of steadfast faith is George Müller (1805–1898), a Christian evangelist and philanthropist who founded orphanages in England, caring for over 10,000 children without ever soliciting donations. Müller’s life was a testament to unwavering trust in God’s provision. He kept meticulous records of answered prayers, using them to inspire others in their faith.

A well-known story about Müller captures his faith beautifully. While aboard a steamer off the coast of Newfoundland, Müller faced dense fog that threatened to delay his arrival in Quebec. When the captain expressed doubt, Müller replied:

“Do you not know how dense this fog is?”

“No,” Müller answered, “my eye is not on the density of the fog, but on the living God, who controls every circumstance of my life.”

Müller prayed a simple prayer, confident in God’s response, and stopped the captain from praying further, saying it wasn’t necessary because he already believed the prayer had been answered. When they opened the door, the fog had lifted, and Müller reached Quebec on time. His unwavering faith demonstrated the power of trusting in God’s timing and guidance.

But what about when the fog lingers? When answers are delayed, and the way forward seems unclear? That’s when we’re invited to lean into joy, knowing that the journey itself—fog and all—is part of a much greater story. 

Fear tells us to stop or turn back, but faith reminds us to rest in the One who sees beyond our limited vision. Joy in the journey comes not from knowing every step but from trusting the One who leads. It’s found in letting go of fear and embracing the truth that the forces at work in our lives are far greater than any temporary cloud obscuring our path. 

Even when the fog persists, we can move forward, resting in God’s sovereignty and timing.

Sometimes we must ask ourselves whether our hesitation stems from caution or fear. Fear whispers that we are stuck, but faith declares that we are not alone. If fear is holding you back from pursuing something clearly within God’s will, don’t let it deter you.

George Müller didn’t let fear stop him, and neither will I. 

I hope you won’t either. Remember, the fog is only temporary—but joy in trusting the One who clears the way is eternal.