Find the Light in the Darkness

The current condition of the world can make it hard to have peace, joy and laughter, while we try and navigate uncharted water. But let me reassure you - There is light in the darkness.

Tomorrow is my husband's birthday and we usually have some sort of get together or celebrate by going to the movies (one of his favorite things), being with friends (another favorite thing) or having a dinner out. Well because this is not currently allowed, it has felt a little bittersweet to try and celebrate, but we will because he is definitely worth celebrating.

As we have navigated the last few weeks with getting essentials together, there have been a few things we have needed that I have not been able to get - such as toilet paper and alcohol. The first is obvious what we need it for, the second well my husband needs it to clean some of his daily used medical equipment. And in my concern I went to the Father to ask Him to make a way, to provide the needs of my family. I found it funny how quickly God answered - Not HA HA funny but how He works funny. A friend of mine asked me if we were in need of anything because she knows of my husband's chronic condition (he has Cystic Fibrosis, CF for short) and when I told her my needs she graciously shared what she could spare. Another friend called a short time later and asked how we were doing and again if there was anything I needed, she had a bottle of alcohol she could spare.

Then for a topper, my sister in law sent my husband a package for his birthday that arrived this same day. After having a conversation over the phone with her, my husband comes to me and says, "You need to open the package in case there is something in there that we need." I didn't think too much about it because she will usually send something like his favorite cinnamon buns from one of the places where he grew up. As opened up the box, all I could do was laugh - God is also HA HA funny. I found 2 rolls of toilet paper in the best wrapping possible.

I guess I want to reiterate from the VLOG of last week, we need to cast our worries and fears on the shoulders of our Father God. Is God a genie? No, that is not how He works. He works through us to fulfill the needs of His children. He always makes a way when we think there isnt one. The only thing I can hang on to in this crazy time is 1) the promises God has made to us 2) trust what I believe even though I cannot see where the end is 3) stay in His light. Because if I allow myself to get wrapped up in the anxiety, worries and fears that the rest of the world is telling me then what am I saying about my God?

I know my God is bigger than anything that is happening in the world right now. He is the light in the darkness. He is the comforter, the place of rest and provider of our needs. There is not one time He has left me or us when I thought, "This is it!". God has always been there for me and continues to show up and show out. I guess what I want to share is that we must not sit in our houses or be out and about looking sad, mad, angry or worried because that is contrary to what Scripture tells us and what we, as believers, believe. "The LORD is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalms 27:1 NIV.

We can be the light in the darkness to one another. As my friends/family were the answer to a prayer, I may be the answer to someone else's. I may have something to share, whether a basic need, food, or a word of encouragement to someone out there. It is important that we continue to live our lives of light and not allow darkness to take a foothold. Be the light in the darkness for someone who may be struggling. We are all His creation and as believers we were left with His command, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 NIV.

Love one anther (Ephesians 4:2), be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16) and be strong in your faith (Hebrews 11:1).