Walk into the darkness, carrying light

In my life I’ve lived through some dark times and been in some dark places emotionally. Part of my Christian ministry in recent years has been to return to some of these dark places, as one who connects with and encourages others who are wandering in the shadows.

Nobody is more aware of the spiritual realm all around us than those who deeply seek to live an authentic Christian life and walk with Jesus Christ on a daily basis. We live in a battle zone, with a clear demarcation between Christ and His angelic messengers and Satan and his demonic hoards. Though he is already defeated and doomed to destruction, Satan in his limited time at loose in this earth is firmly intent upon destroying whoever he can, and his sights are firmly set on God’s people. Those in ministry leadership are in the front lines, and they need our support and prayers, but all who are committed to God face trials and temptations of many kinds and as such are involved in spiritual warfare.

It’s important then to be aware of your own spiritual health. Prayer connects us deeply to God. Reading and studying the Bible builds our knowledge and insight. Fellowship in a Christian community provides an important source of encouragement. I cannot overemphasize the importance of prayer, both individually and with others who willingly act as intercessors.

I am sometimes amazed by the gifts of discernment and perception that God gives to His people who are involved in caring for others and encouraging them onwards in their journeys towards spiritual growth, healing and wholeness. In addition God brings about through His own design so many times when a person is in the right place at the right time to intercede or encourage or help. It may be a stranger with a word in season. It may be a friend or acquaintance who is ideally placed to help. I have been encouraged so many times in my life by a word or comment and sometimes the person saying the words has no idea of the effect they have had. Such are the ways of God.

We do not walk into the darkness in our own strength. Remember the warning given in the account of the sons of Sceva in Acts, chapter 19. These seven men were attempting to cast out demons from people by invoking the name of Jesus, yet had no real knowledge of the gospel or personal experience of Christ as their Saviour. In one case an evil spirit responded by telling them “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” before severely beating them up. We have no power against demons unless we first abide in Christ.

It is always God’s Holy Spirit in us which is the light which will defeat the darkness. In any given situation we can trust God to have prepared the way for us. His Holy Spirit is the Parakletos, the One who comes alongside. He will be with us every step of the way. And His Holy Spirit will attend to all that continues beyond our own efforts after we leave a given situation.

Jesus is the light of this world. He is in us, and with us.

Walk into the darkness, carrying the light.