2020 Daily Devotion - Day 183
Sometimes when life becomes difficult and challenging, beyond anything we have experienced in the past, we can begin to think there is nothing but darkness all around us. In those moments, we are inclined to just look at the darkness of life and nothing else. This is the choice that many make, and it is not good for us, nor is it needed.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had to deal with a great deal of pain and suffering due to racial prejudice in our nation. There were separate bathrooms for whites and blacks in many places in our country. In some parts of the country, blacks had to sit in the back of the bus. There were many, many other injustices. And when Dr. King stood up and protested non-violently, there were arrests and violent resistance from those in authority. When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 came about, many of these things changed. Even now, there is more to be done to change people’s hearts. It is difficult to imagine the pain and the desperation Dr. King must have felt as he tried to bring about needed change. However, this is a part of how Dr. King looked at the situation:
“But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
― Martin Luther King, Jr.
It would be good for all of us to have this outlook – to realize challenges we face are not where we will end up. Our challenges do not get the last word. We can compare the challenges we face with the power of God and His promise to rescue us. These are the times when this becomes even clearer. This is how Job of the Old Testament saw it, too:
Job 12:22 ESV
He uncovers the deeps out of darkness and brings deep darkness to light.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, in the days of challenge, we can see You more clearly. In these days, we see just how great our need for Your strength really is. In these difficult moments, we cannot go along like we used to. Now we must depend on You more than ever. Bring Your light into our current personal setbacks and challenges, and restore our hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had to deal with a great deal of pain and suffering due to racial prejudice in our nation. There were separate bathrooms for whites and blacks in many places in our country. In some parts of the country, blacks had to sit in the back of the bus. There were many, many other injustices. And when Dr. King stood up and protested non-violently, there were arrests and violent resistance from those in authority. When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 came about, many of these things changed. Even now, there is more to be done to change people’s hearts. It is difficult to imagine the pain and the desperation Dr. King must have felt as he tried to bring about needed change. However, this is a part of how Dr. King looked at the situation:
“But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.”
― Martin Luther King, Jr.
It would be good for all of us to have this outlook – to realize challenges we face are not where we will end up. Our challenges do not get the last word. We can compare the challenges we face with the power of God and His promise to rescue us. These are the times when this becomes even clearer. This is how Job of the Old Testament saw it, too:
Job 12:22 ESV
He uncovers the deeps out of darkness and brings deep darkness to light.
Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, in the days of challenge, we can see You more clearly. In these days, we see just how great our need for Your strength really is. In these difficult moments, we cannot go along like we used to. Now we must depend on You more than ever. Bring Your light into our current personal setbacks and challenges, and restore our hope. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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