I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.

John 12:46

In talking with various believers, they seem to agree that this past year was one of great change. The evil in this world seemed to take a great leap forward.

We watched as state after state wrote out stronger laws protecting abortion. We saw innocent children separated from their families and many housed inhumanly in the immigration conflict. We saw an increase in the manipulation of gender in children by their very own parents. Human trafficking seemed to surpass drugs for the role of the number one problem in the United States.

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Isaiah 5:20

The body of Christ was not immune to downfall either. We heard of many long-time believers, well-known people leaving the faith. There were stories of more preachers, teachers and whole churches compromising their beliefs and not holding to the teachings of God’s word. All of it was so disheartening.

I’ve never seen so much hatred. It made for more bullying, murder, discrimination, selfishness, assaults, greed, persecution. Respect and manners; both basic treatments of another human being are becoming a thing of the past. Respecting other’s opinions instead of bashing is also going by the wayside.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Ephesians 5:8

I have also noticed that a line of demarcation is appearing. Where before there seemed to be a middle ground of sorts; an area of compromise, of lukewarmness; now it is turning into black and white; light and darkness. The shadowy, in between of gray is disappearing.

This past year also saw a loss of respect for believers. A loss of tolerance. Unfortunately, this will worsen. Around the world, more people were persecuted and killed for their faith than ever before.

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 8:12

Jesus told us to be the light in the darkness. One that would draw people to Him. Not to us; but to Him. Our light as believers has to come from within. It can’t be by our own doing, but by the working of the Holy Spirit through us. And yes, one light can make a difference.

I have heard it said that one flame of a single candle can be seen a mile away. That is why making sure that our ‘lights’ are as bright as can be is so important. As the world becomes darker, more filled with evil; we need to shine for Him. Living our lives for God to the fullest is what our goal should be. To make a difference in the place where we live, communicate and serve.

…To open their eyes,

in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.

Acts 26:18

It has been said that the generation that sees Israel become a nation and Jerusalem once again in the hands of the Jewish people, will not pass before the coming of the Lord. I am in that generation. If that is so, then we can only expect things to get worse.

One thing we need to remember is that until that day comes, of the returning of the Lord, there is still time to reach others with the gospel. We need to snatch  as many of them as we can from the hands of the enemy.

Our lives need to be a living witness for others. Let them see Jesus in us.

To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.

Luke 1:79

Until next time, God bless.

Brenda

Photo credit: olfiika
on Visual Hunt / CC BY-SA