In both medicine and the ministry I am permitted to see both the worst experiences and expressions of humanity, as well as the best. There are many painful, heartbreaking stories of suffering, and sorrow. I see many sad hearts, wounded spirits, and mangled dreams. Perhaps you are feeling broken, wasted, fearful, and alone right now. Listen for a moment while I tell you a true story of what to do “when darkness lights your path.”
Years ago, a man’s darling wife passed away. She was taken with an illness, that in just a few hours of time, carried her out into eternity. This man was left alone with his little 5-year-old blond-haired daughter to care for.
The funeral was held, and the dear mother’s body was taken out and placed in a grave. The grief of the hour was almost palpable and overwhelming. After a short, simple graveside ceremony many neighbors came and invited this man and his daughter to come and stay with them for a short time. They knew the pain that awaited him at home and hoped to spare him for a time from this darkness.
This man replied, “Yes, I must go right back to the same place where she was, to the room from which she went away, and I must fight it out with this baby right there.” So back to the home they went. A home where there was no laughter, joy, and happiness as before, but only darkness, shadows, and pain.
When the little one saw how her dad’s heart was breaking, she tried to be brave and dry her tears. She wanted to be strong and help her daddy. A short time later, looking into the darkness of that night, this man said aloud, “I trust you {God} but, oh, it is as dark as midnight.”
When his daughter heard those words she started crying again. The father quietly said, “I’m sorry child; papa thought you were asleep.” The child replied, “Papa, I did try. I was sorry for you. I did try, but I could not go to sleep, papa.” And then she said to her daddy, “Papa, have you ever known it to be so dark? Why, Papa, I cannot even see you it is so dark.” And then with tears streaming down her face she said, “But, papa, you love me even if it is dark don’t you? You love me even if I can’t see you, don’t you papa?”
At those words, the big man reached over with his strong arms, and took the little girl out of her bed and hugged her real close to his
heart and mothered her until at last she fell asleep. After she had finally gone to sleep, this man took his child’s cry, and delivered it to God for himself. He said, “Father, it is as dark as midnight. I cannot see at all. But you love me, even if it is dark, don’t you? I will trust you though you slay me. With my baby, and my grief, and my utter desolation, I will turn my case over to you God.” With those words, this man’s darkness began to experience a sunrise of inner strength and victory.
Have you, dear believer, learned the secret of peace? Trust God, no matter what darkness you are going through. I was 14 years old and a young preacher. An elderly lady in Shepherd Hills Nursing Center once took my hands and said, “Grab hold of God. Cling to Him and never let go.” Wise words which I have followed these many years.
Cast your burden, yourself, and your all on Him today (II Peter 3:9).
With eager heart, and will on fire, I sought to win my great desire.
“Peace shall be mine,” I said. But life grew bitter in the endless strife.
My soul was weary, and my pride was wounded deep. To heaven I cried:
“God give me peace or I must die.” The dumb stars glittered no reply.
Broken at last, I bowed my head, forgetting all myself, and said:
“Whatever comes, His will be done.” And in that moment, peace was won.
Please read
Isaiah 50:10
Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.