There is something to be said when you arrive home at night and the lights are on. It’s as if to say, “welcome home”. Or when you pull up to a store not knowing if they are closed to see their OPEN sign shining bright. Or during a power outage, the relief you feel when you find a flashlight or candles.

 

Light is welcoming. It guides our way, and it makes things clear.

 

Our world today can feel just the opposite. The darkness of a global pandemic and the overwhelming sense of loss. The loss of a job, a relationship or perhaps a family business. The loss of social interaction resulting in isolation and loneliness. The loss of celebrating a birth, marriage, graduation, or a loved one’s life. The loss of our school system and church. The loss of our freedom.

 

There is not a human being alive who is not acquainted with some type of trouble. Times of difficulty can arrive unexpectedly, often remain indefinitely, and the sorrowful memories they produce take deep root in the mind.  Suicide, lonlieness, anger and fear are at extreme levels. We cannot deny the strain of the current state we live.

 

God’s Truth: “You must realize, however, that in the last days difficult times will come. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unfeeling, uncooperative, slanderous, degenerate, brutal, hateful of what is good, 4 traitors, reckless, conceited, and lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” 2 Timothy 3:1-4

 

These are difficult days. Fear is the driving force of our society along with serving one’s self. Our culture encourages us to look after number one. YOU are all that matters.

 

We have forgotten about serving others. We have little in the tank to give. We do not have the energy, the time, or the money. We are told to isolate so we trust someone else is looking after those that can’t. We close the door and turn out the lights. All is good.

 

Really?

 

We must declare war on selfishness and greed. Every day we must be intentional with our thoughts. The enemy’s plan is to separate and divide, and to plant fear in our hearts and minds. Jesus stood firm in his Father’s truth and demanded the enemy to flee from his thoughts and his works. We must do the same!

 

We must be an aggressive giver and an extension of God’s love to others. How? By serving. Listen and be aware of other’s needs. I assure you there are plenty. We need each other now more than ever before. As you take care of others, God promises to take care of you.

 

God’s Truth: “Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble heart” 1 Peter 3:8

 

We are not alone in this. God’s word is the lamp to our feet which will light our path. Allow God’s light to shine through you. So many are hurting and lost in darkness. We are God’s messengers of hope and love, and if our lights are out, how can others find their way home? You are the answer to someone’s prayers.

 

God’s Truth: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

 

It can be a little scary thinking about shining the light of Jesus for all to see. It is much easier, and perhaps safer, to casually mention His name hoping not to offend anyone. However, Jesus proclaimed that His disciples were the light of the world. They were called to shine their light like the bright stars in the sky. Remember, we are Jesus’ disciples too and we are not meant to stay hidden. We are to boldly let our light shine so all can see the grace of God.

 

“Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes see is darkness.” – Barbara Johnson

 

The name of Jesus is powerful and nothing can stand against. He promises to provide so we need to do our part. Step forth in faith and ask God each day to put that person in need in your path. Then trust God to serve them through you. Allow God to be in full control and watch your heart be lit on fire. He will give you the energy, the wisdom of word and most importantly, the love to not turn away. As a result, lives will change, including yours.

 

May we turn God’s light on within us and guide one another home.

 

There is a Purpose. There is a Promise. There is Hope.