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NIV is used unless otherwise noted.



Things That Cause Stumbling: Darkness

Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be my light.
Micah 7:8


Have you ever groped around in a dark room and stumbled over something? I remember the night long ago when my sister and I were teenagers. The house was dark, and everyone was in bed, when we heard the loud roar of her boyfriend’s car coming down our street. My sister quickly made her way to the living room and peered out the window, just in time to see the car taillights go out of view. She dashed toward the next room. Unfortunately, a door that was usually open had been closed, and she ran right into it. We giggled as she came to bed holding her nose. Walking (or running) in darkness can be dangerous!

God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all (I John 1:5). Jesus said of Himself, 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). People come into the light of God through faith in Jesus. Those who reject Jesus are walking in spiritual darkness, though they may not know it. They will inevitably stumble and fall. Jesus said, A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light (John 11:9-10).

What about you? Do Paul’s words to the Ephesian church describe you: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord (Ephesians 5:8), or are you still groping around in darkness? Are you seeking answers or meaning to life, but remaining confused and empty? Come to Jesus, who is calling you out of darkness into His kingdom of light, where you will find understanding and purpose (I Peter 2:9).

Lord Jesus, the Light of the world, rescue those living in unbelief from the dominion of darkness. For those of us who do believe in You, help us live as children of light.


Jan Burkhart

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