It was the end of February, and as I stepped out of my home for my daily evening walk, I noticed that the sky was quite unusual. Two thirds was completely covered with threatening, dark, cumulus clouds, but the moon was shining brightly from a completely unclouded one third of the sky. It was obvious that there was a battle raging for the dominance of the heavens, and I wondered which side – The clouds or the moon — would eventually get the upper hand.

As I walked, it became apparent that the dark side of the sky was quickly overtaking that was bright, and eventually the threatening cloud cover even overtook the light of the moon. But those clouds couldn’t completely hide the moon’s light. I could still see its rays shining out on the side of those menacing clouds! Sensing God’s hand in the skies, I opened my heart to Him, and I was immediately impressed with the following message: “Even amidst adversity, I will continue to shine and be with you. Even though you may feel completely abandoned, I will still be there with you.”

I was immediately reminded of Jesus’ experience on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46b, NIV2), and I felt compelled to share this message with you. You see, it wasn’t directed only to me, but to everyone who wants to know God intimately.

On my way back home, I began to wish that I had taken my camera with me so as to have a memento of this unforgettable encounter. I was assured that I needed to only “Wait and see”. I had no idea what this meant, but upon reaching my home I ran upstairs for my camera and threw open the window to my bedroom. What I saw stopped me immediately in my tracks. The threatening clouds that I expected to see overtaking what was left of the unclouded sky was actually retreating, and the moon was in plain view, reflecting the light of the sun so brightly that I didn’t even have to turn on the light in my room. Eventually the dark cloud cover ceased to exist completely. At least in my corner of the neighbourhood.

I had never seen anything like this. How was it even possible that a threatening storm, determined to advance no matter what, is stopped in its tracks? And not only this, but that it retreats like a naughty puppy with its tail tucked between its legs?

It’s then that I realized the following: “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4b, NIV2). You see, God is way bigger than any of our circumstances. He is in control no matter what we go through. He is surrounding us with His presence, even though our perceptions may be off the wall.

Feeling discouraged? Fix your eyes on the true light: Jesus the Christ.

Feel overwhelmed? Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Feel life is not worth living? Fix your eyes on the One who died so that we could live.

I invite you to meditate of the following nugget of gold. It will revive you: “Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed-that exhilarating finish in and with God-he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!” (Hebrews 12:2-3, MSG)

If you feel threatened by your circumstances, know that even though you may feel completely abandoned, God is at your side, shining as brightly as ever. He will give you victory, but first you have to claim it. His kingdom is, after all, a kingdom of power.

Where’s the moon?

Even though heavy clouds of adversity may be covering our neighbourhood, the moon is still reflecting the light of the sun!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Kingdom of Power” devotional series, please click here.)