Mark 15:46 (NLT)
“Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance.”
Have you ever been in a basement or storeroom when the only light in the room goes out? Maybe you were walking home at night and you turn a corner and were suddenly on an eerie shadow filled street? How about someone thinking they are being funny and turn off the lights causing you to run into something?
Everyone probably had moments in their life when they suddenly found themselves in a place of either complete or near complete darkness. In many cases it could be a situation where the sudden loss of light causes only a split-second shock. However, each time this happens again we usually become better prepared for the next time it occurs.
There is also a big difference between sudden loss of light and knowing that you are stepping into a dark area. Being prepared mentally does change the way we approach things and our subsequent reaction. This is unless you are one of those few people that are afraid of the dark no matter if you are prepared or not.
If we know in advance that we are headed into an unlit area, some of us may take a flashlight or make sure there is some type of light source. Even those with a fear of the dark will have some type of background light on when they go to sleep. But that is the difference between when we go willingly or it suddenly falls upon us.
If we look at things from a different perspective, we can say that it is possible to do this to ourselves mentally as well. Sometimes something small may happen that snowballs into something larger or several things can make life seem so overwhelming. Those few clouds that began to gather yesterday have joined others to fill the sky and blot out the sun.
Even as the shadows begin to descend, we may try to run and hide in a place we think is safe to escape them. Then as it becomes harder to see, we are surrounded by a thick blanket of darkness that makes it difficult to find our way. Soon wondering around lost takes a toll on us and we feel like just lying there curled up in a ball.
I know that I have had myself lost in the shadows a few times over the years and it can become confusing when you try to find your way out. I have turned for an answer only to find another wall, or as relief seems to be in site the door I try to open is locked. The had been several times I had to keep searching to another way.
During my lifetime I used a proven escape plan many times that I would forget about until one day I finally got a clue, or better yet I had a light bulb come on. Time and time again I would find a switch or the door when I would pray for God’s help or went to his word for answers. Too often I took the relief for granted or tried to take credit for it myself.
This was until one day I finally understood that I could stay out of most of the shadows that come my way if I would more faithfully follow Jesus. He told this to us in John 8:12, “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
That one decision is the same one we can all make and it is easy. We find out how in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” When we go to God’s word, we will find it filled with many passages about walking in the light. If you don’t believe me, do a scripture search yourself and see.
No matter who you are, no matter what you have done, and no matter how dark it is around you Jesus is there for you. All you have to do is ask him to show you where to go and He will be there lighting your way. He is the eternal light that like a lamp which never runs out of oil so you do not have to worry it will be extinguished.
You may even be able to see him standing there holding the door open and calling you out to Him. Just as He did in John 11:43-44(a), “Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out,” We are the dead men receiving His invitation for a chance at a new life with Him.
Remember, Jesus led by example. He was crucified on the cross where He died and then was buried. The clouds that formed over Golgotha that day soon turned into the deep black of the cold tomb. But as we know, Jesus did not stay there for long and came bursting out of that darkness and back into the light.
He was the perfect sacrifice to forgive all the sins of mankind, then he rose from the dead to fulfill the scriptures until he gloriously ascended to be with the Father. He is walking with us every day, in every circumstance, and all we have to do is faithfully follow Him.
We have all seen the dark clouds overhead that have sometimes grown darker until they enveloped us. We may have even reached the point where we were sealed in our own dark grave not knowing which way to turn. However, accept the Lord’s invitation as He is calling out to each and everyone of us ready to light our way. Now also please enjoy “Step Out Into The Light.”
Step Out Into The Light
Feeling stuck in the dark where there is no sun shining,
Just trying to make my way and maybe find a silver lining,
It seems no matter which way I go I only run into a wall,
I keep making my way through the blackness trying not to fall,
Exhaustion soon overtakes me until I collapse onto the floor,
And even just crawling to a corner is now an arduous chore.
I am so lost and alone in this place that I no longer know what is true,
Lord can you see me in this darkness reaching out to you?
Dear child I always know where you are, fore I never leave your side,
You could not lose me in the dark no matter how you have tried.
Search your heart in faith and soon you will see me standing there,
With my arms outstretched ready for you to receive my loving care.
Read my word and you would see I am ready to light your way,
Then give you direction if you get lost so you will not stray.
The choice is yours to remain in the shadows or a future that is bright,
Now take my hand then follow me and Step Out Into The Light.
Simple Faith Christian
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Simple Faith Christian 