One of my favorite musicals is INTO THE WOODS. Not only for its captiviting melodies, cleverly written lyrics and unusual script but for its symbolic statement(s) of life.

I have no idea what Sondheim’s thoughts were while writing this story but, from my perspective, let me make a few comments about the woods.

It seems the woods can represent opportunities in one’s life. When an issue comes and we are faced with what Henry Blackaby calls a “crisis of belief”, what will we do? For the Christian, God has a plan…and is speaking to reveal it. We can choose to ignore God’s promptings and go our own way – suffering the consequences – or submit to Him and find great peace and fullfilment. Instead of attempting to manipulate the circumstances, we can choose to wait on Him and trust His guidance. There are choices to be made and lessons to be learned in the “woods”.

So the lesson for me is to, by faith in Jesus Christ, march boldly and confidently into the woods realizing He is already there waiting to show me the way.

I need not wish for things that are not meant for me… for greed can put me on the wrong path.

I must not compare myself with others…for God’s plan for them is uniquely different from His plan for me.

I need not fear…for He is always with me wherever I go.

In this transition of my life, I find myself in the “woods”. Because He is my Light, He will  guide me through the darkness.