Ever find yourself shouting at the screen during a movie, knowing the character is about to make a terrible choice? I have. I’ve been on the edge of my seat, holding my breath as I watch a sweet, naïve character wander into a dark, creepy house. Every part of me screams, "No! Don’t go in there!" We've all watched scenes like that, where the tension builds because we know more than the character.
But what happens when we step into our own dark places—making decisions we wish we could take back? Maybe it’s an argument where ugly words spill out with a venom we didn’t know we possessed. Or we make a choice that alters our life’s path in negative ways we never expected. We begin to feel trapped with no clear way out, and hopelessness starts to sink in.
I’ve learned to stare down the barrel of a wrong choice. When I was young, it was addiction, depression, and a thought process that was so broken I didn’t even realize the harm it was causing. As the Lord’s love took hold in my life, it led me into the dark alleys of my need to please and perform or to manage the pain of others’ choices and how they impacted me. Lately, it’s been my need to set the record straight, even if doing so leads to more hurt and pain.
The bigger the brokenness I face, the harder growth and change seem. If I look at my weakness, I know I don’t have the strength on my own to change. If I focus on the obstacles, I become paralyzed with fear or doubt about how to overcome them. Especially with new discoveries of wrong paths, I can’t look in the rearview to find past successes to encourage me.
In these challenging moments, I’ve learned that the first step is to take my eyes off myself and my circumstances and firmly fix them on the cross. When I’m overwhelmed by my failures or the obstacles ahead, it’s easy to spiral into fear and doubt. But James 1:17 reminds me that “every good and perfect gift comes from above.” When I shift my focus to God and His goodness, I’m reminded that He’s the source of everything I need—strength, wisdom, grace—all of it flows from Him.
The truth that “Jesus died to set me free” (Galatians 5:1) also takes on a deeper meaning in these moments. It’s not just freedom from sin, but from the shame and guilt that often follow my poor choices. I don’t have to stay trapped in regret or self-condemnation. Jesus paid the price for my freedom, and He calls me to live in that freedom, no matter how many times I fall.
Then there’s the promise in Matthew 11:30: “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” When life feels unbearably heavy, this verse reminds me that I was never meant to carry the weight on my own. God invites me to exchange my burdens for His peace. Through prayer and spending time in His Word, I begin to feel that weight lift. The more I internalize His truth, the more my perspective shifts. My thoughts begin to align with His, and suddenly, a way out of my struggle becomes clear—one that leads to healing and growth.
1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us that “when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out.” This verse is a powerful reminder that no matter how deep we find ourselves in poor choices or difficult circumstances, God always offers an escape route. It may not be obvious at first, but it’s there—sometimes in the form of wise counsel, a shift in perspective, or simply the strength to say “no” to what’s pulling us off track.
Even when I don’t listen at first, He meets me with grace. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, taken the wrong path more than once, but God never gives up on me. He brushes me off, offering forgiveness and a fresh start. It’s like a loving parent picking up their child after a fall—not with judgment, but with gentle encouragement to keep moving forward.
The more I practice listening to God’s voice, the quicker my pace becomes. Instead of stumbling through life’s challenges, I begin to walk with confidence, guided by His wisdom. And the more I trust His guidance, the greater the freedom I experience. Each step I take in obedience leads me further away from the chains of my past and closer to the life of peace and purpose He’s prepared for me.
Just as we know more than the character in the movie, shouting "No!" as they head into danger, God knows infinitely more than I ever could about how to move forward through the dark, scary paths I sometimes have to navigate. He sees the full picture when I can only see the next step. Trusting Him means I don’t have to rely on my own limited understanding or be paralyzed by fear. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Learning to tie into His truth—the truth of His love and freedom—rather than doing what seems best to me in the moment is where real freedom lies. He doesn’t just offer a way out of the mess; He offers a way into peace, joy, and a life that reflects His goodness. So, the next time I find myself standing at the crossroads of a tough decision, I’ll remember that He already knows the best path forward. And as I learn to listen more closely to His voice, I’ll keep walking in the freedom He died to give me.
FOR FURTHER THOUGHT
As you navigate your own dark paths, take a moment to pause and reflect on the choices before you. Ask yourself: What truths is God revealing to me in this situation? Instead of getting lost in the fear of making a wrong decision, turn your focus to Him. Create a dedicated space for prayer and meditation on His Word, where you can quiet the noise and truly listen. Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers, laying bare your fears and uncertainties. This practice will help you clarify your feelings and remind you of God’s promises.
Additionally, seek out trusted friends or mentors who can provide wise counsel. Sometimes, sharing your struggles with others can illuminate the way forward and remind you that you’re not alone in your journey. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to lean on God’s truth rather than your own understanding. By actively engaging with these practices, you’ll find that the darkness doesn’t have to define your path; instead, it can become a catalyst for growth and deeper reliance on the One who offers you a way out.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You for the easy paths and, yes, even the hard ones. Both roads teach me aspects of who You are and how fiercely You love me. Help me remember that Your love for me isn't conditional, and Your faith in me is constant—even when I doubt. As I navigate the dark places in my life, remind me that You always provide a way out. Grant me the wisdom to recognize Your guidance and the strength to follow it. Continue to lead me closer and closer to who You are, so I may walk in the freedom and purpose You’ve prepared for me. Amen.
ABOUT BARB LOWNSBURY
Barb is a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. She holds Bachelor's Degrees in International History and Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Education. Barb has spoken at conferences and taught classes throughout the U.S. on topics including faith, relationships, leadership, and courage through trials. Her book, Using What’s Broken to Boldly Shine, is a powerful read on transformation through adversity. Her blog focuses on providing people with everyday encouragement and strength. Barb serves as the Executive Director for The Dented Fender Ministry and runs a successful real estate and development company. She and her husband currently reside in Dayton, Ohio.
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