Turning on the lights

Today’s Truth
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12, NIV).

Friend to Friend
Sometimes the world can be a dark, lonely and scary place. At times it may seem like we’re walking down a dark tunnel that seems to have no end.

Yet, that’s not what God has in mind for us. We don’t have to walk in darkness. He sent His Son to die for us so we could walk in light. Jesus told us “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12, NIV).

Have you ever noticed when you turn on a light in a dark room, the darkness disappears? Even a small candle brings light into darkness. Darkness can never overwhelm the light. It must flee when light appears.

When Jesus enters the picture, evil and darkness must flee. With His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated death. He defeated Satan. And He defeated the darkness.

Just as a candle lights a room, so Jesus lights our lives. And the great thing about Jesus’ light is that it’s unlimited. Unlike the candle that will eventually burn out, Jesus’ light is eternal.

He wants to lead us with His light, but Jesus also wants us to share that light with others – to bring light into the darkness of their lives.

Jesus said “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” (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV).

If you and a friend were trapped in a dark cave and you found a source of light, would you hide it from your friend, letting her sit in darkness while you took in the light? No. You would share it so you could both find the way out.

Jesus is that light – the one that leads the way out of despair to hope. We do our friends a disservice when we choose to hide the light of Jesus from them. He wants us to shine His light into all the dark corners of our worlds.

We never know when our friends are seeking a light that we can provide. Don’t let the fear of rejection or embarrassment keep you from letting your light shine to your friends. You can never go wrong by letting the light shine and forcing darkness to flee.

Let’s Pray
Lord, let me be a light in the darkness. Help me to shine Your light into all the dark corners in my world. Don’t let me be ashamed of Your light and try to hide it. Let my friends and family see Your light in me and yearn to bask in its glow.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn
Jesus’ light cannot be overcome with darkness. Every time you flip a light switch today, remind yourself that darkness must flee in the presence of light – and there is no greater light than Jesus. Memorize this verse. Say it whenever you turn on a light