When the Light Goes Out!

I really enjoy flowers and plants. I often use to take a short break from writing to pull the weeds from a flower bed or trim a few branches to keep a bush in shape.

I was especially proud of some beautiful ferns I had hanging outside around the patio. Given just the right amount of light and water, they really flourished, with dark green, luxuriant leaves and tendrils that cascaded over the sides of the pot like a vibrant, intricately woven tapestry.

I enjoyed those ferns all spring and summer long, and when fall approached, I couldn't stand to see them die. So I carried them into my office or would give them to friends for their homes or offices.

All except one, the largest and most beautiful plant of all. I put that one in the office. It was so beautiful, so fresh -- it was a reminder of God's blessings to us through nature. And many would comment on how much that fern added to the room.

Then one day, a week or so later, I went into the office and immediately noticed that something was wrong with the plant. It was still alive, but its rich green color seemed duller and its leaves were drooping. "Oh my, I thought, "What's wrong? Am I going to lose this beautiful fern?"

Then I saw the problem -- inside my office, dark wood paneling and black out draperies, the plant wasn't getting enough light. So I moved it so it would get full exposure to the overhead light, and I opened the window draperies so natural light came in. And do you know, by the very next day that fern had perked up and looked healthy and full of life again.

The Lord really used that incident to speak to my heart about the importance -- and the power -- of light in our spiritual lives. When we begin to flounder, to feel wilted, weak, and listless, it's a sure indication that we need to draw nearer to the light. The vitality and strength we enjoy in our lives come from the Light of the world -- from Jesus Christ, our Saviour.

I love the description of the Apostle John, who wrote, In him was life; and the life was the light of men.... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:4, 9).

Step out of the shadows

Next, James says there is no shadow of turning with God. Do you know what causes a shadow? Something comes between you and the source of light!

Is there a shadow in your life today? Then find what has come between you and the Lord. Could it be materialism, caring more about this world's goods and "things" than eternal values? Could it be a person? Maybe the object between you and the Lord's Light is your own desire to be successful.

Could it be that you've allowed indifference, resentment, or a critical, judgmental spirit to come between you and God and cast a shadow over your life?

Take a look at your life today. Don't wait too long! Without a daily infusion of the power of God's Light, the vibrant colors of your life will begin to fade. Your zeal and energy to witness for Him will wither. Your desire to be all that He wants you to be will shrivel away.

Remember, just going to church is not enough if you keep an "umbrella" over you to block out the light. My fern would have died just as dead inside my office as it would have inside a cellar -- without the power of the light! When I let in the light, my plant was fully restored. And the Light of God will do the same for our lives.

But that's not all. We are so much more important to God than a fern plant. His plan for us is so exciting and fulfilling.

You can be God's light

As we continue to draw near to His light, something wonderful happens. We begin to glow and radiate His light until it shines on others still living in darkness. Our lives can be beacons, drawing precious souls to Christ. This gives purpose and meaning to our living.

Jesus himself said to us, Ye are the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14,16).

You may feel that, even at your best, your light is too small to be of much use. But it isn't. In the gathering darkness of the world around us, even a candle can be seen. And as we work together for the Lord, combining our efforts and our resource, to fulfill Christ's Great Commission in these last days of time, the power of God's light will shine through us and reach into the darkest corners of the earth.

Oh, I want to help light up the world for Jesus. My heart goes out to people who still walk in darkness. There is such sadness and despair, such confusion and deception. Men and women live under heavy burdens. Young people face peer pressure and temptation. It seems that Satan has launched an all-out assault on mankind.

I understand full well what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote that we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world (Philippians 2:15).

If ever there was a time for us to draw near God's light, it's today. If ever the people of the world needed someone to lead them out of darkness into the marvelous light of our Lord and Saviour, it is now. If ever any Christians had the opportunity -- and obligation -- to win the world for Christ, you and I do.

In the words of a beloved old gospel song --

"There's a call comes ringing o'er the restless wave,
send the Light, send the Light,
There are souls to rescue, there
are souls to save,
Send the Light, send the Light!"

God help us to hear that call today and to do all we can, give all we can, be all we can to send the light of the gospel.

God help us to SHINE!