Daily devotion – shadows and light
Last Sunday evening I taught on the subject of suffering. It’s always a matter that draws people’s attention. Why? Because everyone will suffer at some time!
1Pe 3:14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
I am not sure if you are an art lover or not, but most people appreciate a beautiful painting. In every masterpiece of painting, you will notice they contain both light and shadow. The artist using these two important differences to highlight certain features of their subject. In order to be able to provide contrast and harmony to reveal life, beauty and character.
A happy life is not one lived with only good things, but it is a life that uses both light and shadow to produce beauty. When we suffer, when we are persecuted, the blessing of God can still be seen as they contrast against one another to radiate the glory and beauty of the Christian life.
The greatest musicians as a rule are those who know how to bring song out of sadness. The amazing hymn writer, Fanny Crosby, had a glowing faith that truly shone out in all her musical pieces, even though she was in fact blind.
The Apostle Paul and his mate Silas sang a song of praise at the midnight hour in a dark dungeon in Philippi after they had been severely beaten and then locked up. But their patience in suffering and persecution led to the conversion of the heathen prison warden and his entire family.
Let us this week and every day in our walk with God, never despise the shadows that God brings over our lives.
He is painting a masterpiece of your life to reveal to others His love and grace in great clarity and precision!
Take time to watch last Sunday night’s message on our webpage or YouTube channel, if you have not seen it, as to why there is suffering in our lives.