We often think that the biggest storms always occur on oceans, not realizing that the storms on the Great Lakes in North America are just as dangerous, if not more so, than the oceanic storms. In 1838, Francis Count de Castlenau, a French naturalist, described a gale near South Manitou Island. “We were a plaything of the giant waves . . . I have seen the squalls off the banks of Newfoundland . . . And the hurricanes of the Gulf of Mexico. Nowhere have I witnessed the fury of the elements comparable to that found on this fresh water sea.”

Many boats lost in darkness either sank or were stranded with all men aboard. Without lighthouses they were doomed. When lighthouses were built on the Great lakes, hope was renewed. Some, however, continued to sink, as they couldn’t see the light shining forth. The elements kept them from seeing clearly. Without light, we are truly doomed.

“But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! ” (Matt 6:23, NIV2)

How many among us live in total darkness? We may think we have some light inside us, but if we remain wanting, there is something amiss. It’s a sure indication that we have no idea what light truly means. We may hunger for light, but as long as we also long for darkness, light will never be able to come through: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matt 6:24a, NIV2)

Last time we discovered that we have to come to our senses before we can hunger for light. But just hungering for light is not enough. We also have to be willing to leave behind whatever it is that keeps us from reaching that light. Sadly, many remain in the bondage of darkness, not realizing that true freedom can only be found in the Light.

What can be done?

We have to come to our senses. Do we truly enjoy reveling in our vices? We know deep down that sooner or later they will swallow us whole, a real shipwreck, leading us to certain death. Only then, it will be too late. Darkness will remain for eternity.

Why not come to our senses and decide what is really worthwhile for us? When we chose light, we discover grace beyond imagination. Only then will we begin to have a purpose that will fill our hearts with abundance. All emptiness will evaporate. We have finally found the light-saving Light.

We can remain in the dark as these ships facing the gales; but is it really worthwhile to remain in the calamities of our own lives, when we can be in the safety of the Light?

Light or darkness? What will it be?

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Little Light of Mine” devotional series, please click here.)