Messages from the Dark

Any other perpetual calendar lovers out there? I admit to having three scattered throughout my house right now. Guess you could say I’m hooked on them. I look forward to the fresh inspiration they offer me each day — and to finding quotes I can use on the blog! :)

One morning last week, one of the calendar quotes really resonated with me. A couple of hours later, my scripture reading for the day held a verse that conveyed nearly the same message. I knew right away it must be a message worth sharing. Some of us may need it more than others right now, but I feel certain we can all learn from it.

My Whispered Words of Encouragement perpetual calendar contained these encouraging words from Oswald Chambers, early 20th century author and Christian minister: “When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.”

Some of my recent days weathering the ongoing crisis with my mother-in-law’s health have been awfully close to “dark” — but could probably be described more accurately as very difficult.

Still, I identified with the message in a special way. I knew the Lord would use these difficult days to allow me to help someone in the future.

Later that morning, I read a verse from God’s Word that echoed what I’d read earlier that day. Jesus told his disciples, “‘What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.'” (Matthew 10:27) Jesus had been telling his disciples about the persecution they would encounter as they ministered in His name, but I think we can apply the teaching to any dark time we may find ourselves in. The Lord will teach us things — will give us precious messages — that He will one day give us opportunities to share with others.

Just this morning, I jotted a few practical things down I’ve been learning over the past several weeks. As dark storm clouds roll across our lives, let’s listen for God’s messages, whether they be practical ideas or spiritual truths and comforts. Let’s ready ourselves to “proclaim from the roofs” the things God has taught us — whether we proclaim them to a crowd or just to an audience of one hurting person. Let’s let our messages from the dark bring light to another.

What have you learned in the dark that might help someone today?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

*Update: Don’s mom has not had to be admitted back into the hospital yet. Better knock on wood after saying that! :) All prayers still appreciated!

Flickr photo by boboroshi,Creative Commons License

Comments

  1. I don’t know how people go through the trials of life and death of loved ones without the Lord, His Word, and His comfort.

    I continue to pray for your mother in law and your family.

    Annette

  2. I continue to pray for your family and mother-in-law’s health. So glad she’d not had to return to the ER.

    What I learn in the dark times is always something different. Sometimes God’s faithfulness is the most prominent thing I see, while other times it’s personal lessons of determination and perseverance. Lately it’s been mercy. The grand mercy God always has for us and the mercy I am called to offer toward others. As I look back on such times I treasure them. Not because they are fun, but because of the rich lessons they teach and the deep roots they grow.

    Great post dear one. I was just thinking the other day how much I’d love to meet you!

    Blessings.

  3. Your scripture from Matthew, about speaking in the daylight what God tells you in the dark, is my life verse for 2009. I think it good and right and wonderfully in tune with God to jot down your thoughts during this season. While it can be a difficult wrestling…getting through the darkness…the beauty comes when we are able to help others because of the similar paths we have walked.

    Beautiful thoughts, Cheryl. And you know I love me some Oswald!

    peace~elaine

  4. Thanks for your prayers, ladies, and for sharing your thoughts — wonderful all! And yes, wouldn’t it be great to meet in person one day?!

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