Have you been in the darkness?

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:12

Most of us Christians try to stay away from darkness.

Could it be in part that darkness is mostly associated with evil?

We as Christians draw away from darkness as we think that it contains nothing good.

Darkness is the time during which our strength is restored, our energy replenished, and our life revitalized from all the activity of the day.

When we talk about Christian character, darkness has more than one dimension.

One dimension of darkness that we have around us is unbelief.

The darkness of the world seperates us from God who is the source of light.

"Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while we have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While you have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them." John 12:35-36

There are men and women who are in search for that light, but have not met that man from Galilee in the light of His own wonderous, glorious light.

So how are we to respond to the darkness around us?

Will I shrink back physically or emotionally as if to the starting point?

Will I draw from those unfortunate ones who walk in such darkness?

Will I go on seeking to eagerly lead some of them to the Master?

Even the darkness will be transformed into light, life and energy when they meet the Master.

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me." Acts 26:18

To every Christian, every child of God, the greatest thrill is that of introducing a soul to the light, which is Jesus Christ.

This experience alone gives energy, but vitalizes the Christian's life far beyond the power of words.

This experience will make his inner life a bright adventure despite the darkness that is around him.

The other aspect that a Christian must understand that pertains to darkness is his own personal life.

There is no guarantee set forth that will promise that all of our days here on earth will be nothing but brightness.

For all of us there are going to be some tears, sighs, sorrows and sadness.

There will be some dark periods of disappointment and despair.

Most of the time we have no control whatsoever over these times.

They will come as swiftly and quietly as the darkness in the night.

How are we supposed to respond to their oppression?

How will I react to these situations as they come to me?

Will I rebel against them?

Will I accept them calmly?

How will I respond to that which comes from the hand of the Father for my own well being?

It is possible to walk in the dark unafraid, undisturbed, and undismayed.

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

We as Christians get so busy, so caught up in many things.

God will deliberately let darkness descend around us just so that we can have a quiet walk with Him.

It is in the cool and stillness of the dark that our frustrated souls are refreshed.

It is in the cool and stillness of the dark that those things that we get caught up in are forgotten and we become like a well watered garden.

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a well watered garden, and a spring of water, whose waters fail not." Isaiah 58:11

It is darkness where we find the part of that character of Christ that is wholesome, fruitful and radiant.

For some it is only in the darkness that we dare draw so close to Christ that we later come away with His own presence upon us.

"Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh unto you." James 4:8a

It is only in the darkness that we discover the sweet fellowship of His suffering.

It is through the darkness that I understand those words, not my will, but thine.

"Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done." Luke 22:42