Have you ever been in such a dark place that you could not see your hand in front of your face? I have, and it can be a little unsettling. I am reminded of my recent trip to Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel in Oconee County, South Carolina. It is an incomplete railroad tunnel for the Blue Ridge Railroad of South Carolina in Sumter National Forest.  As I walked deeper into the mountain and into the deep darkness away from the light, it felt cold, lonely, and isolating. It was neat to experience, but I definitely would not want to stay there.

When it is pitch black, it is amazing how much light comes from striking just one match. When you do, you can see all around you, at least until the match dies down.

The world of 2017 can be a very dark place, a place in desperate need of light. Jesus is the light who illuminates the darkness.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Jesus wants to ignite that light in each of us so that we can share it with others.

2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

There are so many hurting people all around us who are lost in darkness. What a difference we can make in their lives if we let the Lord shine His light through us into their lives. In this time of political correctness, Christians are expected not to offend anyone. And, all too often, that is just what we do—not offend anyone, not speak up, not shine our light. According to Rick Warren, there are two reasons that people do not accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior: 1) they have never met a Christian, or 2) they have. What a sad statement. Is it possible that we are missing opportunities everyday to shine our lights?

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. —Edith Wharton

A story is told of two lights on the ocean. While on maneuvers, a battleship lookout saw a light in the dark, foggy night. After studying the light’s coordinates, the captain realized that his ship was on a collision course with the other vessel. The captain sent a message, “Signal the ship: We are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees.” The signal returned, “It is advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.” The captain replied, “I’m a captain, you change course 20 degrees.” The response was, “I’m a seaman second class, you’d better change course 20 degrees.” By this time the captain was angry and ordered, “I’m a battleship. Change course 20 degrees.” The reply came: “I’m a lighthouse. You make the call.”

Allow the light of Christ to be steadfast in your life. He is the light. Shine where He says shine. Go where He says go. In a world of hostile darkness, He has called us to light a candle of love. Although it is not always received as we hope, being faithful in this way can produce more favorable results than we can ever imagine.

Be the light. Don’t tell people how bad the world is. Tell them how good God is.

Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Dear Lord: You are the light of the world. In You, there is no darkness. Thank You for shining Your light into our dark places. Help us to take the light You have shone into our lives through Jesus Christ and to seek out the helpless, confused and torn. Use us to light the world. Amen

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.      Psalm 18:28

Go Light Your World (by Chris Rice) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsM5lt9tCFo

This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine. Let it shine.

Have you had opportunities to shine your light into the lives of others? Or do you have a story about how God used someone else to shine light into your life? I would love to hear your experiences, thoughts and comments. Please reply below.

Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost today. May God shine His light brightly into your life and through you into the lives of others. Take your candle and go light the world.