In the midst of a storm, darkness prevents most individuals from seeing any meaning or purpose in trials. Instead of reflection, anguish, bitterness and resentment are common responses. Yet, in my most recent period a pleasant surprise arrived in the form of a special friendship. After both losing our jobs a month apart, God allowed each of us console one another, finding a treasure in darkness.
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name, Isaiah 45:3.
In the famous poem simply known as Footprints, the author writes about periods in life where God carries you. Walking along a beach, the Lord’s footprints disappear as each waves comes crashing into shore. Yet, somehow, someway, most survive to see another day, hoping darkness will fade. Job learned this the hard way as he friends began to question his faith, suggesting God was punishing him for something he had done in the past.
But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold, Job 23:10.
As you walk through moments of darkness alone, people tend to choose temporary distractions to numb the pain inside their heart. Nonetheless, the weaker you get, the easier it becomes to trust in an invisible God. When there is no one else to lean on, faith is refined, smelting the impurities. However, if you hang on long enough like Job, you will experience God’s divine providence in the form of treasures in darkness.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 