Shine A Light

Revelation 22:5a "There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light." (NIV)

Isn't it interesting that the Bible begins and ends with the light? God is goodness and light. Darkness is equated with sin and evil.

As a new immigrant in Canada, I walked home alone one evening in the dark. I was confident because I had done this regularly in England. Imagine how I felt when a man suddenly vaulted over a fence and attacked me. For many years after that, I was dreadfully afraid of the dark.

In those days, victims were not offered counselling. My way of dealing with anything unpleasant was not to speak of it. That was the way that I was raised. My way of protecting myself in the future was simply to avoid venturing out in the dark alone.

Years later, when we kept our vehicles in a very dark barn that I had to enter before I could turn on the light, I would become extremely — and seemingly inexplicably — angry with my husband.

I was, in fact, still a victim. Then, I attended a self-defence workshop for women. As I anxiously watched the male instructor acting out a typical scene, creeping up behind his "unsuspecting" female partner, I wanted to cry out a warning. In panic, I fled from the class.

However, the instructors had noticed my terror. The woman followed and gently led me back. They were both great encouragers. Given a rubber mat to kick, my anger erupted. I didn't realize that I'd broken a toe until afterwards.

Later, I stood with the male instructor as he described to the class a method of taking a man down. I wanted to be absolutely sure that it would work. I stepped forward, and I took that man down!

Today, I'm no longer a victim. I take all necessary precautions, of course, but that is a healthy respect for my safety.

Emotional and spiritual fears are often combined. It's not easy for someone who's been attacked, abused, or abandoned by a man to trust God, when appearing as a male figure. We need righteous counsellors who can shine a light on our particular situation and walk it out with us. God will lead us into the light if we allow Him into our life. He gives us the grace to forgive. And we are made whole.

Satan's plan is to disrupt and destroy. The aim of terrorism is to cripple the population with fear. Many are already afraid to travel. Whatever your fear is today, I encourage you to ask Jesus for help. The Bible tells us again and again not to be afraid.

Psalm 119:105 – Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path. (NIV)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, this world grows darker every day. We need Your light. When You are for us, who can be against us? Thank You that You are always beside us. Amen.

JJ Ollerenshaw Belleville, Ontario, Canada

Thanks to PresbyCan Daily Devotional