Dear Reader,
What are you going through? What challenges are you facing? I may not know the answer to those questions, but I’m sure I can guess a few things. Life is not perfect for you; it can be full of challenges that feel vindictive and unfair. Perhaps, like me, you have experienced a two-steps-forward, one-step-back kind of year.
To quote a dear friend, “This is earth, not heaven; it’s gonna be some mess sometimes” (see John 16:33). So what’s the point? Why keep moving forward, knowing that at some point in time, you will get knocked down? Because no matter how dark this world can be, there is light. I don’t mean a light at the end of the tunnel; I mean a present light that is available for us right here and right now.
The Light of Christ
John 1:4-5 NIV states, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” That light is Jesus! The Word of God tells us that this light cannot be defeated by the darkness of this world. Once you have accepted the light of Jesus by proclaiming Him as the Savior of your heart and soul, then the same darkness we see day in and day out cannot destroy you.
Finding Strength in Faith
In Christ, we have peace that outlasts our circumstances (see Philippians 4:7). In Christ, we will get knocked down, but we will find the strength to get right back up again (see 2 Corinthians 4:8). In Christ, we have grace that stands firm despite our shortcomings and mistakes (see 2 Corinthians 12:9).
In Christ, we can know that regardless of how we feel, our lives have value and purpose (see Jeremiah 29:11). Perhaps today is a good day to refresh your faith in God’s loving mercy.
Whether you are a long-time believer or this is your first time considering Jesus as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to open your heart to Him in prayer as you journey along the way.
With warm regards,
Shereyl Grubbs