Piercing The Darkness

Isaiah 9:1-2

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine. (Isaiah 9:2)

JUST AS ISAIAH PROPHESIED, a light did come out of Galilee, and the region was filled with glory. Early Christians recognized the brilliance of the Messiah’s ministry, even though it came from such an obscure place. If Galilee was nearly irrelevant from the perspective of Judeans, it was even further removed from the eyes of Rome, its empire, and the Hellenistic world. But the Messiah was made known, his works were made visible for many to see, and his message spread far and wide. Light is always most dramatically displayed in dark places.

That’s true for you as well. You have been called in the same spirit of the Messiah’s ministry (John 20:21), and that includes your capacity to shine in dark places. While many people lament the hardships they are facing and the difficult circumstances they are having to endure, you can rest in the knowledge that God is positioning you purposefully. You don’t have to wonder why he isn’t “blessing” you with the things most people define as blessings. If you are going to live a supernatural life, it will have to be in places where the light of God is not already on display. Miracles happen best in places of lack or need.

God may allow you to go through dark places for one of two reasons: (1) so you can learn who he is and strengthen your faith in him, or (2) so you can actually be positioned for greater influence. Joseph was sent away from his hometown and family to Egypt, and Daniel and his friends were sent to Babylon in the most traumatic of circumstances because God wanted to send light into dark places. If you shine with his light, you should not be surprised to go to dark places too. Wherever you are, your calling is to reflect him, to glow with his brilliance, and to display his nature where darkness has reigned. You have seen a great light in your darkness; do not miss your opportunity to be one now.

{Lord, forgive me for focusing so intently on my own hardships. You have raised me to life, empowered me to live, and called me to offer life to others. Let me shine brightly—at any moment, wherever I happen to be. Amen.