Recognizing Light and Darkness

“I’ll go ahead of you, clearing and paving the road.
I’ll break down bronze city gates, smash padlocks, kick down barred entrances.
I’ll lead you to buried treasures, secret caches of valuables—
Confirmations that it is, in fact, I, God, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.”

Isaiah 45: 2-3

A trip this week out of the heat of the desert and into the cool mountain air of northern Arizona inspired me (see below).  A hiking trail and a bike path had me comparing the rough terrain to my own life path. With each turn, I had a choice to make. I could drift off the path to something that may look interesting, try a way I thought might be quicker, or stick to the path designed for my own good.

Just like that trail, God has given each of us a path which is definitely the best one for us. However, we stumble and trip over the debris in our way. We get distracted and lose track of all that He has for us. We don’t recognize the light from the darkness and sometimes choose incorrectly.

However, as we begin to mature, we can look back and realize our stumbles may have brought heartache, but they have given us a wisdom and discernment to recognize the difference between what in our lives is darkness and what is light. Then we can push the darkness out and hold close to the light knowing it is a part of the best plan for our lives.

My prayer for you is that you hold close to all the good the Lord has planned for you. That when you find good, you choose to cherish it, honor it, and appreciate it.  In the same way I pray that you have a sharp awareness of the darkness and choose to walk away and leave it behind. God is so good and has such an amazing plan…recognize it, follow it, hold on to it.

A path has been laid of which we can choose to follow. It is a good path. It leads to victory. It is always present, but often rambling and filled with debris.

Not clear.

Not cut.

But remaining all the same.

If we keep a close watch we can notice the light shimmering. Calling for us to follow.

But we find ourselves distracted. Not keeping a close watch. Tripping and falling over the debris.

The light remains there. Still beckoning.

It allows us to see the rocks, the dips, the side trails.

It was all there for a reason. To enable us to discern the truth.

We begin to see the rocks for what they are and jump over them when needed.

We begin to see the beauty of the light and hold closer to all that it is.

We recognize what is light…

And what is darkness…

Making the darkness unwelcome in our lives.

While welcoming the light with open arms.

Cherishing. Honoring. Appreciating.

Choosing not to let go.