Light The Darkness

Darkness surrounds, yet glory abounds. Can't you feel the weight of the darkness around you? Doesn't it get heavy? The answer is yes. The world is filled, encompassed with darkness. We see it everyday. We can look around and easily identify evil around us. It instills fear. It brings doubt. It pulls us away from the Light. I was driving down a dark road and was stopped by a train. To my right was a field and I was a little worried what could be in that field. My awareness was heightened due to my lack of sight, because it was night time. I kept looking at the field, not that I could see anything, but just in case anything or anyone was in there and I could see them. And as I am looking into and surrounded by darkness, I lookup slightly and there's a cross. A bright, lit up cross, shining from miles away that I could see in the darkness. It was lighting up the darkness. I sat there, holding back tears, because I realized the power of that moment. Surrounded by darkness and there was light, His Light! He is the Light in the darkness. Whatever darkness that may be in your life right now, whatever darkness you're facing, whatever pain or heartache. There. Is. Light. It can feel at times like there isn't hope, as if we're sitting in the darkness with no light shining. As if there isn't a light at the end of the tunnel. But there is Hope. There is Light. Darkness is overcome, pierced, and defeated by Light. When darkness comes, it only helps the Light shine brighter. Am I wrong? Think about it... light a candle in the daylight, though you can see the flame, it's brightness isn't as strong. Light it at night and you can see it. It's brightness and all it's glory. It's just like that with us and with Him. If all was light, how could we shine so bright? The darkness comes and that is where we shine the brightest, where He shines the brightest.

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

I believe that's a good example of this verse. Where there is hardship is where we shine and grow. Hardship makes us better followers of Christ. It strengthens us. Darkness tests us. It strengthens us. Because in the darkness is where the Light shines the brightest. Darkness surrounds, yet glory abounds.