Operating in the Dark

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NKJV)

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The older I get the more uncomfortable I am driving at night. The oncoming lights blind me and it’s harder to find landmarks in unfamiliar territory. Can you imagine a world without night? Part of me thinks it would be wonderful, but another part of me realizes I would miss the beauty of the moon and the stars. Truly the heavens declare the glory of God!

We tend to associate darkness with evil or despondency. How many times have you heard someone say, “I’m in a dark place?” The reality is, life is a test. The Apostle Paul compares it to a race in 2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” The storms of life fall on the righteousness as well as the wicked.

I always say, “life is the womb of eternity.” Perhaps in this case, it is the training camp. If we prove ourselves faithful we will rule and reign with Christ forever. Faith Triumphs in Trouble

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” – Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)

Every person who has ever “overcome” something had to learn to operate in the dark. They had to make a decision to push past their fear and press on. No one escapes without perseverance.

Most of the time the darkness takes us by surprise. As Pastor Ty said, ” Someone can flip the switch and your deepest fears emerge. In that moment you have to decide … am I going to work in the dark or am I going to succumb to the fear?”

David understood this when he wrote Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” (NKJV) … Death is the ultimate fear. I find it interesting that David talked about the comfort of the Lord’s presence. Have you ever noticed that scary situations seen a little less frightening when you’re not alone? Beloved … WE are never alone!

If you need to know how to navigate (operate) in the dark ask God to shed light (wisdom) on your situation. You will come to learn that God is your healer, your strength, your helper and your joy in the midst of the darkest trials.

Prayer: Lord, I am thankful for the truth in Your Word that assures me, no matter how hard the battle or how deep the despair, I am never alone. You are here, right beside me. I echo Paul’s Words, “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Help me to see fear for what it is – a lack of faith. Help me to remain faithful in the midst of the storms. Remind me, I am more than a conqueror in Christ! Thank You Lord for Your faithfulness. When I am weak, I know You are strong.