No Darkness Is Immune to Light

STORY: Nightlight

Have you ever been in an unfamiliar space after dark, with the lights out? Does it disorient you? This happens often to me, as I travel to speak. I’ve learned a handy trick. My cell phone can light the way for me. It’s such a small light. (I’m not talking about the flashlight app, although that is great too—just the plain light glowing from my phone.) In the daytime, I don’t even really notice the light is on. But in the dark, it makes all the difference.

Today’s devo-study discusses how the light from God glowing through us can illuminate the darkness of this world.

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (NLT)

STUDY: Shine the Light

Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. Isaiah 58:10 (NLT)

• When will your light shine out from the darkness?
• What can you do to be generous with those who are hitting rock bottom? What needs can you tend to?
• How bright can a little light shine when placed in the darkest places?

Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever. Daniel 12:3 (NLT)

• Why do you think it takes a wise person to shine bright?
• What does it mean to lead many to righteousness? How can you help them find the right path?

“You are the light of the world — like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)

• What is the light in you?
• Where do you let your light shine?
• Where or when do you tend to hide your light?
• Who benefits from your light?
• One way we shine light is through good deeds. It glows when our motive for good deeds is so others will praise God, not praise us. How can you accomplish that?
• The Message paraphrase words Matthew 5:14-16 this way: “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place — until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts. 2 Peter 1:19 (NLT)

• What shines, according to this verse? (There are two answers.)
• The prophets contributed to the Old Testament message, which came to fruition through Christ. What are we to do when it comes to their words?
• How is Christ the Morning Star in your life?

Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. Psalm 112:4 (NLT)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.  John 1:5 (NLT)

• One reason some people hide their light in the darkness is because they are afraid of the dark and how it might affect them. What does this passage say to address this concern?
• There’s no one answer to this next question. What or who can extinguish the light in those who have trusted their faith to Christ?

I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. John 12:46 (NLT)

• What does it mean to you that Jesus shines as light in this dark world?
• What happens to those who put their trust in Him?
• What is the difference in your life to be in the dark or in the light?

STEPS: Illuminate the Darkness

1. Shine. Tap into the light God has placed in you. (Screw the lightbulb in — flip the switch.)
2. Shine light. Make sure your light is allowed to shine. Not the light someone else thinks you should have. The light from God.
3. Shine bright. Don’t be timid with shining your light. Don’t let anything dim your light.
4. Shine with might. Be confident when your light shines. Realize the massive power of light.
5. Shine right. Don’t shine like the world shines, an imposter for light. Be sure your light is based on God’s Word and through His Spirit.
6. Shine in plain sight. Let your light shine for all to see, right out in the open!

Copyright © 2019 Kathy Carlton Willis, used with permission.