Countering the Chilling Darkness

With the time change this past week it's been a bit different driving home from work. For those of you who don't know, I have a moped that transports me around. When I leave work now, the sun has already gone down, and with that comes the dramatic drop in temperature. For me, a Florida girl, with the sun out it's been chilly. But with the sun gone, it's almost unbearable. I do my best to prepare for this. Dressing like a marshmallow. I'm pretty sure I counted 5…or was it 6 layers yesterday? But nothing seems to filter out the bone-chilling air that cuts through. Warm thoughts? I've tried that too. A thought did hit me last night though…

This is what our world truely is. Dark, cold, unbearable, and absolutely hopeless, without the light of Jesus that is. The only thing that overcomes the dark is light right? And the only thing that overcomes the cold is heat right? One thing I've learned on my moped rides is, in areas where there are no street lights and just pure nature, trees and lakes, it is absolutely freezing. But in areas where there are lots of buildings, homes, buisinesses, and streetlights, it seems just a bit warmer.

As Christians we are the light to this world. We are the hope to those who are in despair. Even amongst other Christians we can be that hope. I know I've experienced circumstances in my life where I have needed other Christians around me to build me up. In the Bible, Jesus is referred to as the ultimate source of light.

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined." – Isaiah 9:2

How absolutely encouraging is that? Isn't it comforting when you walk into a dark room, feeling around for the light switch, that you eventually do find it. The darkness is overcome when that light switch is turned on. You can now see what surrounds you. God calls us to not just stand there and watch helplessly as darkness overcomes the world around us. God calls us to stand up and let our light shine, overcoming the world with light and hope.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." – Matthew 5:14-16 

In those darkest places, that's where we need to begin. Remember that a small spark is all it takes to begin a roaring wildfire. You are that spark!!! The way you live your life speaks volumes to others around you. Bring that light and hope you have to those who are suffering. Why are you still on this Earth? There's your reason right there. Now let's get out there and do something about it!

Despite my journey home being unbearably cold, I have the hope that home is ahead of me. My journey will end, and I will be able to bury myself in a pile of blankets and snuggle with my cat. This is life. Sometimes charging through the darkness as the only light seems hard. But we need to press on. Our home in heaven is waiting for us, it's just around the corner. But while we are still here, it's our chance to make a difference. BE THE LIGHT!!!