“Leave your job,” God said clearly. “Then I’ll tell you what to do.” It was a challenging prophetic word, but my husband obediently resigned. When, later, he sensed God’s call to train for the Baptist ministry, our pastor wasn’t convinced, though he promised to pray. Bewildered, we groped around in the darkness of our confusion for clarity and reassurance.
The following evening at an intercessory gathering, a Scripture verse came to my mind. It didn’t resonate with the prayer topic, so I kept quiet. Back at home, however, my husband, who’d been praying fervently about his future, shared that same verse with me. We hugged as God’s light reassured us and clarified the way forward. And then, our pastor called to say that God had changed his heart!
Seasons of uncertainty often leave us feeling like we’re stumbling about in darkness, but Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). He imparts His life to our spirit, with His light to encourage and guide us. Blinded by legalism, the Pharisees sadly wouldn’t believe and receive His divine nature (vv. 13–18), but the light of Christ’s presence dispels spiritual darkness for “whoever follows” Him.
If we struggle in the darkness of difficulty, we can open our hearts to Christ’s life. The light of His presence in prayer and Scripture steadies and reassures us, expertly guiding us through life’s twists and turns.
By Anne Le Tissier
REFLECT & PRAY
How has knowing the light of Christ’s presence given you peace and confidence in difficult circumstances? Which Scripture illuminates your way forward today?
Ever-present Jesus, thank You for reassuring me that You are holding my hand through life’s problems and guiding me through them with the light of Your promises and truth.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Light was the first of God’s creation (Gen. 1:3), the very first good gift God gave to man (1:4). This light does not refer to the sun or the stars as these were created on the fourth day (v. 14). While we may be unsure what that light is exactly, in the rest of Scripture “light” and “darkness” are metaphors for good and evil (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5; 1 John 1:6-7). God is light ( 1 John 1:5; Rev. 22:5). Jesus is the light (John 8:12; 9:5). And Christians are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14; Phil. 2:15).
Bill Crowder
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