Let His Light In

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.

─ Romans 5:3-4

“How do you manage to stay positive?” Chrissy asked her brother, Clay. “I know your story. I know all the terribly difficult things you’ve navigated. Even Christians have difficult days, weeks and months. I don’t remember a day you just stayed in bed. But I wouldn’t blame you for it if you did” she added.

Clay looked at his sister. “Actually, I wanted to shut out all the light, isolate myself from everyone and stay in bed for the rest of my life after Melanie left me and the kids. But what good would I be to the kids? I looked back over the really hard times and realized God was always there. When I didn’t think there was any way God could bring something good out of what I was going through, I had to trust that He would – and over time, He always did.”

“But how do you get through the dark?” Chrissy pressed.

“I have to open the curtains of my heart and let His light in. I find encouragement in remembering how He brought me through the tough times. I open the Bible and read how He kept His promise to others. I drag myself out of bed, go to church and participate in worship and praise – especially when I don’t feel like it.”

His sister leaned closer, encouraging him to continue. “It’s a decision to truly live by faith, trusting that in the end God will work all things together for my good. He is the only One who can bring me into the light.”

Today’s One Thing

How do you encourage yourself in difficult times? Take time today to encourage someone.

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