Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the rightness of your rising. Is. 60:1 ESV

Nightfall came faster than I was anticipating and it was black night as I made my way through the swamp. Normally the moon would be out, but it was overcast and the thick trees above snuffed out everything, and I had brought no light with me. The eerie sound of frogs, crickets and whatever that was lurking behind me were terrifying. Finally I made it out of the woods and I could see the light of home in the distance. It was the most welcoming sight and I was so happy to see it.

A small candle sitting in the sunlight at mid-day is hardly noticeable. If you back away even a few feet it will begin to blend in with the surroundings and the light of the sun. It would seem insignificant, like there was nothing to be seen there. But if you were to look at that same candle in black darkness, it would seem like it was sent by God and be the most welcome site that you had ever laid eyes on.

As this world grows darker and darker, your light will shine brighter and brighter to those around you. For some people, YOU are the only light that they will ever see and God will use you to draw them. You may think that your light is only a small flicker, but to someone in total darkness, you may be the most welcoming sight they have ever seen and carry the word of God that sets people free from the darkness. Keep that fire stoked, it is going to be needed.