A few years ago, Stephanie and I were on vacation when it took an unexpected turn, leaving behind a memory that neither one of us expected. We headed off to Maine to do some wilderness hiking for a few days, and then headed up into Canada to spend some time in Quebec.
We’d had a wonderful time meandering through several cathedrals and churches, seeing relics of a saint, eating at some fine French restaurants and even tracking down St. Hubert Street, just to say that we were there.
We headed back to our hotel and stretched out to watch a little television before calling it a day. We were in a deep sleep in the middle of the night, when all of a sudden, the room started shaking and the power went out. We were experiencing an earthquake. It didn’t last very long; but when everything stopped moving, it was pitch black.
I don’t know when I’ve ever seen any darker darkness. There wasn’t a speck of light anywhere for what seemed like several minutes. There we were, in unfamiliar surroundings, and it was so dark in the room that we were afraid to make a move, afraid we’d trip over something.
And then I remembered something. My phone was on the nightstand. It was amazing what a difference that light made in the room.
Isn’t that just how it happens in our lives sometimes? We’ll be going along fine. Life is good—and then all of a sudden something takes place that throws us into the intense darkness of despair. It might be an accident, an unexpected diagnosis at the doctor’s office, a financial crisis or the devastating loss of someone we love.
Unfortunately, I’ve been there before, times when life seemed so dark that I couldn’t see a way out. There were times when I felt alone and was afraid. And then the light of Jesus shone into the darkness—and that’s what made the difference.
My sisters and brothers, if you are struggling through a difficult time, I urge you to stick close to the Light of Christ, and He will shine his peace and love into the dark places of your life.
Come; let us walk into the light. Jesus is waiting. He will not leave us alone.
I just moved to Nevada from IL and the move has been very difficult. I have to remind myself several times a day that God is with me, and the light of his Live gets me through the difficulties
Absolutely. Sometimes it is a constant battle to remind ourselves that God is present in our lives. But when we let His light shine in, it makes all the difference in the world. May God bless you as you adjust to your new location.