Lights Out
Yesterday I went to the store to purchase a new coffee maker. Even after a bottle of descaling solution, my old one was finished. I went to a store that is going out of business and will only be open for 5 more days.
There were several shoppers mulling around looking for treasures and bargains. I found a nice option and was getting ready to head toward the checkout line when the lights flickered and went off. They came back on for a moment and then went off again.
It was surprising how quiet it was without the hum of the lights. Pretty soon people were using their cell phone lights to navigate through the aisles and continue shopping. You could hear shoppers calling to each other and one man was directing his wife to follow the sound of his voice so she could join him.
The only light in the store was a few emergency lights and the light coming in from the front doors. I made my way to the front of the store and stood in a line that was forming. I was surprised at how many kept looking around in the dark trying to continue shopping.
As I waited in line I thought about how the shoppers were lost in the dark and how many continued to wander around looking for something instead of heading for the light that was clearly present. Others sat down on patio furniture and settled in, getting comfortable with the darkness.
It made me think of people in the world. How many are wandering around in the darkness looking for something, trying to find a deal and missing the light that will make all the difference? What about those that are comfortable with the darkness that settle in and see no need for something better?
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life and I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”
That is a message we can share with others. We are right there with them, going through the same circumstances and given the opportunity to choose the light. Will we share that message of hope?
A manager soon began to walk around informing people that they needed to make their way to the front of the store. The cashiers would put their names on the carts full of items they wanted to purchase and would hold it for them until the power was restored.
The responses to his message were again varied, some headed to the checkout lines, others continued to try shopping and those on the patio furniture were in no hurry to move.
Responses we see when we share the message are also going to vary, but the good news is that even if one makes that choice to choose Christ, it’s a day of celebration.
My prayer
Father, thank you for showing us the way to a better life. It’s not with possessions, but in knowing You. Help us to share Your message of hope with those in the darkness. Open their hearts to choose You and find light in their lives regardless of the circumstances. You are a good God and I thank you for turning my darkness into light. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Where does my help come from?
2 Samuel 22:29
” You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 12:46
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”