Through the Sewers of Paris

In Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, there is a scene that has haunted readers for over a century. Jean Valjean, the ex-convict remade by grace, must carry the wounded young Marius through the sewers beneath Paris. The tunnels are pitch black. The water rises to his chest. The burden across his shoulders is deadweight. He cannot see the exit. He does not know if one exists.

But Valjean keeps walking.

Step by agonizing step, he presses forward through filth and darkness — not because the path is clear, but because the life draped across his shoulders is worth the struggle.

There are seasons in the Christian life that feel exactly like that journey underground. The diagnosis comes back grim. The marriage feels hollow. The prayers seem to hit the ceiling and fall back down. You cannot see daylight, and you begin to wonder if there is any daylight left to find.

But the Apostle Paul knew something about pressing on in darkness: "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair" (2 Corinthians 4:8). El Roi — the God Who Sees — has not lost track of you in the dark. He never does.

Valjean emerged into sunlight. And by the faithfulness of the Almighty, so will you. Keep walking.