December 31, 2015
Don’t get comfortable in the dark. There are times in our Christian walk when we enter into a dark place, a dark time or a dark situation. It is important to not stay in the dark. Darkness has a way of lulling you to sleep spiritually by telling you tales that make you feel shame, embarrassment, unworthiness, judgment and anger. It’s a mind game. The darkness wants to keep you there as long as possible until you eyes adjust and you begin to learn to function in the dark. You begin to think that you can handle it; control it; somehow change it all by yourself.
Many times we as Christians stay in the dark under the guise of “I don’t want people to know my business.” “I am supposed to be this…or be that…” “I am supposed to have it all together.” You need prayer; you want prayer, but what would “they” think if you asked. It’s these thoughts that betray you; entrap you and cause you to operate as if the light inside of you is burnt out. Don’t forget WHOSE you are; don’t forget the position you hold. This life is far from easy. We will have trials and turmoil, but we are not in this alone. We are children of the RISEN KING. Darkness could not hold Him and it can’t hold you. We are part of a body of believers who are called to love and support each other. Ephesians tells us to keep the unity of the Spirit. We all belong to one body, one Spirit and one hope. Until we can honestly share our struggles knowing that our brothers and sisters in Christ will meet us with love, prayer, unity and support; we as a church body will never be fully out of the dark. That is all the enemy wants; just enough hurt; just enough shame; just enough darkness to keep the light dim.
There are so many people struggling right now. They are keeping their pain and hurt in the dark for fear of rejection by man. There is a spirit of offense that exists among God’s people. Offense gains its power by operating in the dark next to its best friend perception. Every action that we do is perceived by someone. Sometimes the perception does not match the intention. While the light focuses on the heart, the intention; the darkness draws attention to the perception. It could be that the person who did the offense has no knowledge that they offended you. However, when you are struggling in the dark every perceived offense is illuminated. It drives you further into the darkness and stores up things like resentment, anger and hurt. The person who did the offense may be coming from a place of darkness themselves and instead of operating in the light of love; their eyes have adjusted to the darkness. They see things through the lens of their own pain, hurt, rejection and anger. Whatever the source of the offense, its job is to keep us living in the dark; staying silent about our hurt and trying to handle our pain ourselves.
There are families that are going through seasons of pain and trials. God is about to deliver them. If we keep our pain in the dark away from others to see; then how will He get the glory when Victory comes? How will others living in the dark, know there is hope; there is light; there is victory? The bible tells us in Revelation 12:11 “we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony.” Your life is a testimony.
Testimony is powerful and sings of God’s glory. A testimony can be a floodlight in a dark room. The funny thing about a testimony is that it never waits until the end to show God’s glory. God works throughout the trial sustaining us; giving us peace; loving us; entering into the pain with us. That is the light that keeps the darkness at bay. That shows His great love; it isn’t only shown in the end when we receive victory. People living in the dark need to know that God carries them throughout the trial, not just at the end for the winning shot.
So don’t live in the dark. Always live in the light. Trials and triumphs. That is how we show Gods grace; His love; His mercy and His deliverance. Find joy in the knowledge that in every situation He is with you. Make 2016 a year to shine your light so bright that no matter what is going on around you, darkness has to flee.
Leadership Uncontained, LLC 