A Message of Light

It’s always amazing how just the smallest amount of light can dispel darkness.

A couple of nights ago, I had a restless night. I tossed and turned as my body desperately needed to sleep, but my mind refused to shut down. Maybe that has happened to you?

An opportunity that I had prayed about for a long time, was lying at my feet and while I was excited about it, it would require change. It represented the ending of an era and the turning of a page, all good stuff, mind you.

But, change is hard for this gal. I embrace it as much as I can, but sometimes, well, sometimes I would like for life to just freeze as it is for a while, so I can enjoy it for a little longer.

And so, sleep eluded me as my mind raced backwards and forwards. Intellectually, I knew it was all going to be fine, but my churning stomach told a different tale. When I got up at 4:00 to get a drink of water, I marveled at how dark it was outside, which matched my emotions. At 6:00, I gave up trying to sleep and went downstairs for a cup of coffee.

I pulled out my daily devotion, which at the moment, was in the Book of Acts. The reading was about Pentecost and when the Holy Spirit literally roared into action. It’s exciting stuff. It’s almost easy to forget how distraught those early Christians were at the time.

Jesus had risen from the dead. He was with them again. Good had conquered evil and all was good. The disciples were looking at their happily ever after, the end.

But, Jesus left again. This time He ascended into Heaven for all of them to see. He told them He was going. He told them that He was leaving them for a good reason, so that the Holy Spirit could come. He told them to go to Jerusalem and wait.

A group of around 120 fearfully waited and prayed, just as they were told and the Holy Spirit showed up in a huge way. They were able to speak in different languages and to heal the sick, which never could have happened if they hadn’t embraced change and the unknown, change that was likely painful for them.

The Church was born that day and all Christians have that group of obedient believers to thank.

As I was thinking about that Pentecost, I walked over to my counter to get another cup of coffee and was struck by the sunlight streaming through the trees. It had been so dark when I sat down to read my Bible, yet such a short time later, the light was dispelling the darkness and it was beautiful.

I was reminded of a favorite verse: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5

It was like a little message from Heaven that it was all going to be alright. Sometimes I need reminding that when we put our plans in God’s hands, that will always be the case. Perhaps you needed reminding too.

Have an awesome day!

Wendy 🙂