Light to Find the Way

Imagine this with me, if you will. There are several people all trapped in pitch darkness, trying to find their way out. No one planned for this to come upon them and they’re not familiar with where they are. Some of them begin bumping in to one another while trying to feel their way out…only to hurt themselves in the process. They trip over unidentifiable objects and fall into unseen holes. You can hear crying and even a few screams of fear; several are asking for help. Some find themselves clinging to another they had a ‘run in’ with so they don’t feel alone in their dilemma. It’s dark; they can’t see where they are and they can’t see where they need to go.

But a miracle occurs. It’s a small one but they see a flicker of light radiating from somewhere in the distance. Suddenly, everyone’s attention is now focused on this flame. No one hesitates, but they each begin making their way to the source of light. It doesn’t matter what they have to go through to get there. They may have a few more holes to climb out of…perhaps they trip again and fall a time or two…but that light looks like a source of hope. And as they begin to get close to it, sighs of relief go forth when they realize the light is shining just enough to see where they’re going. Panic subsides. Everyone will follow the one carrying the flame that leads the way out.

Light does that; it offers direction, vision, and hope. It removes fear and anxiety and offers peace and relief. It is always seen…especially in the dark.

Of course, to the Christian we are familiar with this concept: Light in the darkness. We’ve been called to reflect the Light. And most of us think this is great…being a light that shines in a dark world…leading the way to Christ…showing others who He is! What an honor!

But we sometimes forget an important concept of light: it is seen the most when it’s surrounded by the dark. A candle burning in a well-lit room is hardly noticed; but a candle burning in the dark is seen by everyone who enters.

Darkness is fine until you’re the one surrounded by it. Who wants to travel the road of heartbreak and suffering? Who wants to face infirmities or hard times? I don’t see people jumping up and down with their hands raised yelling, “Pick me! Pick me!” Why? Because it’s painful and we spend the greater majority of our lives trying to avoid it.

However, this is exactly where the Light of Christ is seen…in the darkness of suffering and pain. But sometimes, it seems, we think about this scripture and feel good, great, and wonderful about it. We hear it being read and we’re ready to shout, “Praise God!” We want to believe that somehow this interprets us being in the light and everyone else is in the dark. Sure, on some level I can see the concept of that…and certainly God’s Word references it. But when it comes to us being a light, I think we miss it.

See, it’s an easy thing to talk about faith and healing and deliverance and resurrection when we’re standing in a place that’s lit up like the break of day. Let the darkness fall and all of the sudden things change.

If we’re going to be light in the dark, we have to be willing to walk the road of God’s will. In the opening scenario everyone needed the light…including the one who was holding it. Now, we’re not just talking about faith but we’re practicing it. We’re not just telling others that Jesus heals but they’re witnessing it. We’re not just saying that God delivers but now they’re experiencing it. We’re not just speaking of the resurrection but they’re watching the dead being raised to life.

For me, that was a hard pill to swallow. I found myself asking, “Why me?” I didn’t want to be there. I didn’t want to go through those hard places. My flesh was crying out in agony for the pain to stop. I just wanted out. But then I heard a quiet voice say, “I thought you wanted to show everyone who I Am?”

Of course, I did! Didn’t I? I’m not sure I even knew what that meant back then. I mean, it sounded good and all. It looked like a great idea when I was standing in a place of comfort…but when the switch was flipped and I had to walk a painful road of darkness, I felt like I was the one who needed to be rescued! Reflecting light wasn’t even in my thought process. I wanted to feel better! Unfortunately, I wasn’t much concerned with those with me who needed to get out too. It was about me. I was showing them who I was…not who He is. *Sigh*

But the way you show His light is to be obedient to His Word…even when it’s hard. When others are being hateful to you, be kind. When they speak all manner of evil against you, talk about the good in them. When you are pushed into a corner, don’t shove back. Learn to love those who don’t love you.

It may be a road marked with suffering and pain but when you focus on finding His strength to do the right thing, that’s the moment when those in the same dark place will see a light flickering and they’ll do everything they can to get to you…the one reflecting light on the path.

We have to be mindful that God is trying to reveal Himself to those around us and the Light of who He is is best seen when all the other lights are turned out.

“The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

Matthew 4:16 ESV