Looking For The Light

A friend of mine from another state always said living in Michigan was like living in a sock. I'd correct them and tell them it's actually like living in a mitten. *witty wink

Blue skies in South Bend on a visit to family

I always earmark December 21st because it is the shortest day of the year. That means moving forward the days will start to lengthen again and it won't be dark all the time. It encourages me to persevere because it reminds me the darkness is only for a season and that soon I will be able to bask in the sunshine again. However, it's well past December now and this year it seems like the past few weeks have been especially dreary. The clouds are so thick it sometimes feels like it's evening even though it's only mid morning. One day as I was working at my desk, I saw the sky had finally opened up and the sun was shining through. I put up an away notification for my job's communication channel and went outside, letting the warm sunlight beam on my face. Even though it was brief, it brought a smile to my face and provided a welcome relief. Vitamin D, do your thing!

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

Just as I've been desperate for sunlight these past few weeks, it's a reminder of how much I am desperate for Jesus. If we are called to be his ambassadors, Christians, "little Christs", and bringing his kingdom to earth, we need to abide/spend personal time with him. We need to bask in his light and the comfort that his words bring.

Matthew 5: 14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Life isn't always sunshine and blue skies. Sometimes it's darkness and desert. And that's from the perspective as a born again believer in Jesus Christ. Imagine how helpless and lost people feel without Jesus? They seek pleasure and to fulfill desires to chase away the darkness, but it creates a vacuum of discontent. The effects are temporary; it never satisfies. Their debt of sin still on record, an eternity of darkness awaits that soul with no hope. Some are numb and some are actively searching for the light. When people look at you, do they see the light of Jesus? People need to know that there is hope and that there is light and his name is Jesus.

John 1: 1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

He's the light that never goes out and "overwhelming victory is ours through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). God has been taking me to some dark places, both in the world and in myself, and he's exposing it. Once something is exposed, it's known. You can't pretend not to see it anymore (well, I guess you could, but why would you want to live in a delusion if your goal is to live authentically and be more like Jesus?) The purpose of exposing sin to the Lord isn't to humiliate and degrade you, it's to heal you. GENESIS 3 - WHERE SIN STARTED Remember Adam and Eve in the garden? After they sinned, they realized they were naked and exposed. God called to them still "Where are you?" He knew where they were (he knows everything), but he was waiting for them to reveal themselves to him. And even in their sin and rebellion against him, you know what the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever present Creator did? He made them clothes so their naked shame wasn't on display anymore. STORY TIME A chef told me a story about this guy they knew in culinary school. One day as he was chopping something he accidentally cut his hand. He wrapped it up and carried on with life. Didn't clean it, disinfect it, go to a doctor. Nothing. After a few weeks, infection had taken over which lead to gangrene and he ended up having to have his hand amputated.

TAKE AWAY Let God take a look at your heart and see where you need cleaning and disinfecting. What lies are you believing? What sin is festering there? Reveal it to him. Show him the deepest parts of your heart so that he can heal you. He already knows, but when you take that step it shows you trust him.

He cares deeply for you. Let the light in.

SEEKING PARTNERS I'm going to some spiritually dark places to share the gospel and spread the light of Jesus. This journey is too big for me to do alone and I need your help. 1. Prayer Pray that I would be prepared for where I am going and what I am about to do. 2. Financial Support If you want to partner with me financially in order to send me to Germany, my missions account (tax-deductible), you can give here. 3.Share the News I'm looking to share about my mission and seek those who are looking to partner with me. If you know of any small groups, churches, or people that are looking to financially support the spread of the gospel in Europe, any introductions provided or invitations to share are appreciated. Marantha.