In The Eye Of The Storm

Last week we had a hurricane in South Florida.  It was my families first experience with a hurricane.  To say it was exciting and terrifying would be an understatement.  The category 4 hurricane was headed our direction and so we prepared. 

We were ready for days without power and water.  We stocked our pantry with nonperishable foods such as canned fruit, beef jerky, trail mix and lots of supplies for PB & J’s.  The most important supply we purchased according to our son, FLASHLIGHTS!

Evan is not afraid of the dark, but being stuck in a violent storm in the dark is a whole other thing.   We made the prospect of being in the dark fun, telling him we would play flashlight tag when it got really dark.  He was definitely down for a game that involved flashlights.

Well, we got lucky and the storm passed us by.  Other than some above average winds and rain, the hurricane was a non-event and my husband and I were grateful.  We knew others in the world were not as fortunate, so we did not take this lightly.  As we were counting our blessings, or son was disappointed.  He never got to play flashlight tag.

As parents we learn to master making a bad situation look good, so our children do not feel the weight of our circumstances.  As Christians we have to be careful to not do the same thing. 

Playing in the dark as a Christian is an entirely different game.  When we spend time in the dark, as stated in 1 John 1:5-10, we have no fellowship with one another or with God.  The dark is where we go to hide our sin.  God is light and in him there is no darkness at all.  We cannot be hiding sin and be around God. 

So what do we do?  Admit our sin.  God is not waiting around to shame us, he wants to cover us with his love, but not admitting our sin keeps his love from penetrating our brokenness and healing us of what drives us to sin.  If you are hiding in darkness trying to keep your sins a secret, stop playing games and give it to God.  He knows how to protect you from the storm.

Read today's Scripture here

I stand with the Father!

John 8:12 (NIV)
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." 

Why is the dark such a scary place? Small children are often afraid to be left in the dark. Once these fears surface only a night-light will chase them away. How about during a storm, the lights flicker and suddenly the room is plunged into darkness? What do we immediately do?  Dig out the candles and search for the matches.  A collective sign is heard when the flames flicker and the room is finally light.

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. (Exodus 13:21)

There are times when life is so troubling we feel as though we are stumbling in the dark, not knowing where to turn next. That is when God will go ahead of us to show us how to navigate through dark times.  Often it is that very darkness which shows us the light. When we have light, and once we are brought up out of the darkness, things become clear. We can see the difference between good and bad; right and wrong.

When we enter into the light we can see everything with new, fresh eyes. We see that we were never alone.  It is then we can reject the dark - those friends who took us down dangerous paths and embrace the light of healthy and meaningful relationships with others who live in the light.

I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. (John 8:16)

John 8:12-20