Turn on the news and you will see the gross darkness that is covering our world. The constant message of gloom and doom is proclaimed several times a day on the airways. Fear and despair fill many hearts, because of the trouble and devastation. Indeed, we don’t even have to watch television to spot darkness trying to creep into our communities, show up at our addresses, and push its way into our homes.
To address this predicament, Jesus came to set humanity free from sin and bondages. In John 8:12, he states, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” In addition, he commissioned his disciples with these instructions: “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mathew 5:16
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF LIGHT?
Light dispels darkness.
Light reveals truth.
Light heals the hurting.
Light is full of good works.
HOW CAN WE SHINE THE LIGHT WHEN THE DARKNESS IS OVERWHELMING AND INTIMIDATING?
1. IDENTIFY YOUR IDENTITY Look into the mirror? What do you see? Do you see what God sees? The darkness tries to blind us to who we are in Christ! However, throughout scripture are details of our identity.
- You are created in the image and likeness of God. (Genesis 1:26-27)
- You are a child of God. (Galatians 3:26)
- You are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13)
- You are the light of the world. (Mathew 5:14)
- You are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)
2. RECEIVE FROM GOD’S PRESENCE Open the manual – the Bible. Learn it’s instructions, and receive enlightenment and power from the Holy Spirit. In other words, spend time with the Lord in prayer unto you are filled with the Spirit and boldness to do the work of the Lord. (Acts 4:31)
3. DON’T LET ANYTHING STOP YOU FROM SHINING THE LIGHT! A hurting world desperately needs people who know their God and are yielded to him. People, who regardless of their own personal problems, are standing firm in the faith and are always working enthusiastically for the Lord. (I Corinthians 15:58)
PRAY THIS PRAYER:
“Father God, I praise you because you are Light, and there isn’t any darkness in you at all. Thank you for being my light and my salvation – I will not fear. You are the fortress of my life, protecting me from danger – I will not be afraid. Help me to shine the light of Christ to those around me that they can experience your love, truth, and power. In Jesus’ name I pray – Amen.”
