For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~ Jeremiah 29:11 by Lex Morgan n irrevocable strength is uncovered in the most unlikely place. Darkness. That place where every decision seems to be the wrong one, despite our best efforts. That place where we feel deeply insecure about ourselves, abilities and gifts. That place where we cry often and wonder if we’ll ever make it through. Be gentle with yourself in this place. It is ok not to be ok. There is hope. There is always hope. Although darkness feels scary and uncertain, it bestows beautiful gifts upon us. In the darkness, we are required to pause. To reflect. To hold ourselves accountable. To learn. To make wiser decisions. To step forward. Darkness presents powerful questions for us to answer. • How did we get here? • How did we contribute to our current experience(s)? • What are we learning? • What are the risks of continuing in the same direction we’ve been traveling? • What are the benefits of making healthier decisions? In the darkness, God’s light shines brightest on the areas of our lives that need our attention. Areas that include our character, the character of the people we’re in relationship with, what and/or who we’re running from, and what we believe about ourselves. Depending on where we are on our individual journeys, the light may shine on different areas. One thing is certain, the light shines brightest during our darkest hours. Where we are is no accident. Our exact location is necessary and instrumental in molding us into who we need to become to transcend our circumstances. One layer at a time, things, people, places and experiences that no longer serve us are being stripped away to reveal the exquisite detail of God’s creation. The real us. Appreciate the darkness, for it reveals things that we wouldn’t learn otherwise.
There is no such thing as perfect. The key is progress. Even if we’ve ended up in what appears to be the same dark place(s) repeatedly, there is hope. Within each of us is the power to decide what we want, to seek the necessary support to guide us in that direction, the power to change our behavior and create a beautiful tomorrow. The world may try to convince us that it’s too late. That we’ve failed too often. That we’re not worthy of a second chance.
How do we move out of darkness into light? Identify one step we’re committed to taking to move forward. Just one step. Then, identify a second step. Be clear about the steps so that measuring success is simple. Keep going…one step at a time. Before long, we’re on the other side of the obstacle(s). Through it all, isn’t it reassuring to know that we are loved by a God who extends grace and mercy? A God who is forgiving and a protector? Our steps don’t have to be pretty and the journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. We are not here to be a replica of anyone else; we are here to be the best version of ourselves. We needn’t work harder to prove ourselves. Our focus should be on working harder to improve ourselves. The darkness gives way to a brighter tomorrow. That is amazing news!
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