Out of the Darkness

by Joyce Sykes
Published November 30, 2006

The darkness filled the vast space outside my living room window this morning. The night air is cooler, with the distinct feel of winter swiftly coming. I have sat thinking and praying for loved ones who have never felt the loving touch of my Lord. With a deep grieving, I have prayed for them and a softening of their hearts towards the One that died that they may be forgiven. And with great humility, I acknowledge that except for His grace and mercy, I could still be out there in the darkness of my sin.

I think back to my days before I asked Jesus into my heart. It too was a vast place of darkness. Loneliness and despair filled the air, even as various rejections wrapped chilly arms around my heat. Fear rang out like the cry of a lone wolf. Hopelessness permeated the atmosphere. No matter where I went, or who I was around, a deep sense of unworthiness filled every pore of my being. Hatred and self-loathing were embedded deep within and there seemed no end to my pain.

But then, slowly a light began peeking over the horizon of my life; a light unlike any other. Little tidbits of divine love slowly began chasing the shadows away. As the divine light of His love dawned deep within the black recesses of my heart, a sense of belonging came upon me. Not by the world, but Love unlike anything I had ever experienced or imagined.

His love was supreme. This Jesus accepted me as I was, even with my sin-stained life. His loving sacrifice enabled me to once more learn to stand. As He began the healing process, life began making sense. I was born to be His, to worship at His feet. Slowly the painful areas of my life were touched and healed the Master’s loving hand. Some have faded into the past, while others have left a scar. The scars are a reminder, like a memorial, of where I was and what He has accomplished in my life.

It is through these scars, that not only me but others like me who bear the scars of their past can point to them and share with others of His loving mercy and kindness. It is through these reminders that hope can be given to those who are still in the darkness of their sin. If this magnificent Creator of the universe cared enough for the wretched heart of this one lost soul, than there is a chance for others who are alive and in pain today.

His divine light can shine through the darkness to those who are homeless and live the woods, or under the bridges of our streets. His love can reach through the stupor of the drug-addict that is strung out in some crack-house down the street. His tender beckoning voice can woo even this most hardened sinner to a place of healing. There is hope for the rebellious teenage, for the abused child, and even for the abuser. If there was hope for me and you, then there is still grace and mercy for those we pass in the stores, on the street corner or in our place of employment. He will use our life’s testimony and our scars to shine out of the darkness and into the heart of those we encounter.

As we lift our voices and share the goodness and mercy of our Lord, His light will shine into the darkness of another. It may only be the slight flickering glow of a small candle but we can rest assured that the Lord will use it in the heart of another. We may not see them walk out of the darkness today, but we can trust in His promise that our testimony will make a difference in the light of eternity. We can say with great conviction, “Yes, I have scars in my life, but without a doubt, I have been touched and healed by the Master Physician. If He can accomplish this in my life, I know He bring healing to you. Step forward out of your darkness and into His marvelous Light.”

Viewed 565 times