Darkness is associated with evil, and understandably so. When one is shrouded in darkness, they are stripped of the ability to see. They are compromised and vulnerable, at the mercy of the black abyss and anything that lurks in it.
When we are experiencing adversity, there is a dark atmosphere blocking luminance in our lives. Everything is dull and gloomy. You miss out on opportunities of prosperity you could have pursued if only you saw it in the light.
But what does one do? How does one navigate through the dark into the light? To overcome adversity and darkness, how can we find our way through without seeing?
Faith is believing in the unseen.
If we have undying faith in our God, we will see that the answer lies not in external sources but within ourselves.
Matthew 5:14-16 says:
"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Every individual possesses the capability to overcome adversity. Instead of blaming the predicament and God for allowing hardship into your life, be thankful for the present for what He has given you, and see things in a positive light.
But how do we execute this feat?
We use the term "light in the darkness" to express a positive metaphor of believing good when all we see is not good. This is a fitting metaphor, for what we are really telling is the import of the subject's frame on the outcome. That is, if a person is predisposed to a positive outlook, say even a faithful outlook, then when circumstances are unfavorable, the person still hopes for a favorable outcome; likewise, when a subject is predisposed to a negative perception, then even when things seem to be favorable, the person may experience apprehension and dread. Thus, our response to favorable and unfavorable circumstances expresses much of our inner character. The point is that a person of faithful demeanor sees the light in the darkness. In contrast, the person of unfaithful character sees darkness in the light.
As the verse says, "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl." Jesus instructs us not to suppress our own light and to let it illuminate our environment. If hardship knocks on your door, why not change your perspective instead of being bitter about it? Like a sword is tempered when placed in intense heat, perhaps you are being put through a test that will make you a more robust, well-rounded individual.
When you receive hate, act with kindness; when things are not going your way, approach it calmly, with fortitude, and most of all, an undying faith in Christ.
And if you need a companion through your plight, a reminder of God's goodness, one particular book needs to be on your shelf.
Author E. Vince pens a riveting story involving a family saga where the Hills are struggling to find their way through the darkness. The first book of the AFTERLIFE series, There Will Be Trouble, is inspired by the author witnessing Christians and people of other religions losing their faith upon encountering severe tragedy. The book is a result of understanding atheists and agnostics expressing the problem of pain and suffering as a legitimate reason to question God's existence.
There Will Be Trouble is coming soon on Amazon.
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