Light Still Shines

THE LIGHT STILL SHINES! (John 1:5)

Ignorance, superstition, danger, and helplessness are profound themes that can overwhelm individuals in all aspects of life. Shakespeare once said, "I believe there is no darkness only ignorance," highlighting the impact of the lack of knowledge in the dark . Proverbs 4:19 "The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”  As humans, we fumble in the dark, fear and anxiety often stem from our own superstitions and shadows of uncertainty.  All the while, danger lurks in the moments of obscurity, looking for a way to take advantage of its opportunity in the darkness.  Darkness can often make us helpless.  Much like Jessica McClure Morales trapped in a well at 18 months old;  individuals are trapped in the darkness yearning for a guiding light, a beacon of hope to rescue and restore their life to flourishing once again.

 

WHERE DOES DARKNESS HIDE?

 

In a world riddled with doubt and despair, individuals are increasingly questioning the foundations of faith, justice, mental well-being, entertainment, and suffering. The reexamination of Christianity's dark historical chapters, alongside the pervasive struggles of social inequality and political corruption, contributes to a growing disillusionment with organized religion.  Our churches which once were Lighthouses, have become buildings that have grown dark with hatred, hypocrisy and condemnation.  The mental health challenges and growing disorders; the traumatic experiences; and the severe environmental disasters are forcing people into a question of their identity, purpose, and the possibility of any divine intervention.   As people grapple with these complex and distressing realities, they confront a profound longing for light and hope amidst the pervasive darkness that encompasses their lives.   

 

THEY QUESTION…

why isn’t their proof God exists?  Is God really fair, is He just? Is He able to protect?  Why did He create me this way, why am I trapped in this mental darkness?  Why can’t I have fun anymore? And why does God allow suffering? Why God don’t you just end the pain? And many are left wondering in the Traumatic Wells of Darkness, is there a God? Is there a God who heals? Is there a God who saves? Is there a God who can shine light in this darkness that I’m walking through?

 

As we read the Bible, what we face today is nothing new under the sun:

• Thomas doubted Jesus, Judas betrayed Jesus and Peter denied Jesus because none of this made sense, and quite honestly it frightened him… But now the one who helped him walk on the water and stilled the storm, was dead…I’m in the dark Peter said, I don’t know what to do now? And yet he would become the first Holy Ghost Spirit Anointed Preacher leading thousands of people to faith in Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.    LIGHT STILL SHINES IN THE DARKNESS! (Acts 2)
• Persecution followed Paul everywhere.   Chains, conspiracies, and prison sentences all were a part of the faith journey God had him on. And yet much of this New Testament was all written in those dark places which now can give us light as disciples of Jesus inspiring us and compelling to follow the Light of the World.  LIGHT STILL SHINES IN THE DARKNESS!
• Ruth, Esther, Naomi, all victims of racial hatred and prejudicial unrest.  And yet they found resilience, they found favor, they found victory, they found Light that could outshine the darkness of the times in which they lived.  LIGHT STILL SHINES IN THE DARKNESS!
• Solomon, David, Sampson and the woman thrown at Jesus’ feet all caught in the lusts of their flesh, wanting just to have fun and indulge in their sinful nature, and yet each one fully realizing that it never ends well and yet each one in their consequential darkness found redemption, restoration, reconciliation and empowerment to go and sin no more…Light came and rescued them from their own self inflicted trap.  LIGHT STILL SHINES IN THE DARKNESS!
• Mary Magdalene, the demoniac, the little boy and his father all suffering from demonic strongholds in their minds, torturing them, controlling them, mental health disorders at maximum force were eventually confronted with the Light of the World.  The Hope of all mankind, when Jesus stepped into their life, they were set free from the trap of their darkness! LIGHT STILL SHINES IN THE DARKNESS!
• Job, Hagar, Mary the Mother of Jesus suffering enormous loss, trauma and pain.  To lose all your children, or to not have the ability to bear children, or to watch your child die a gruesome horrific torturing death on a cross…and yet in the darkness of loss, resurrection is found, the Light would eventually shine!  LIGHT STILL SHINES IN THE DARKNESS!

 

 

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5

 

HOW DOES GOD SHINE IN THE DARKNESS?

 

Let me leave you with four messages that will allow the Light to Breakthrough this darkness:

 

#1. God is Mighty to Save.  (Zeph. 3:14-20)

#2. God Loves Everyone. (John 3:14-21)

#3.  God is not against you.  (Rom. 8:31-39)

#4. God’s Purposes never fail. (Is. 46:3-13)

 

In the depths of darkness, God's light offers messages of salvation, love, support, and unwavering purpose. God's mightiness to save ensures that every past mistake and enemy of the soul is vanquished, replaced with a faith that is unshaken and confident of eternal promises beyond this life. His love, unrestricted by human flaws, extends to all, emphasizing redemption over condemnation. Let’s help all to remember, God is not against you; He stands as a steadfast ally, praying and interceding on your behalf with unmatched empathy and persistence.  Trust in His unfailing plans, for in His light, darkness is defeated!