Articles
Light Shines Successfully (Part 1)
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:5) Although powerful, darkness is impotent before the light. When we look to the example of how God’s light is reflected in our lives, we should feel empowered by this truth. Listen to these words from Caroline Snare regarding her decision to become a Christian:
I had wanted to be baptized for a long time. I grew up believing in God and I always knew he sent his son to die on the cross for my sins, but it wasn't until recently that I fully understood what exactly that meant. Within the past few months I have experienced drastic changes in my life. All of a sudden I was a college student away from mom and dad and I was feeling lost and scared. I became involved in a women's bible study on campus and throughout the semester I came to fully understand God's love for me and the sacrifice he made. When I acknowledged this, I knew it was time that I accept Him as my savior.
We read first of her desire to become a child of God with a belief that had been cultivated over time. But who instilled that and who cultivated it? Parents and Bible teachers did. These people’s lights shined in her life.
We also notice that those things needed to be paired with something else: the reality of her own personal indebtedness to God had to become real for her. Part of this came through teaching but perhaps the greatest impetus came in meditating upon what the Word said. The Word became a light unto her path (Ps. 119:105). Through its illumination, she comprehended the darkness and was empowered by the light. This combination of factors is alluded to in John 6:44f. The light of God’s Word shined in her life.
One factor we might overlook is dynamics. Caroline’s fear of being away from her parents as a first-time college student contributed to her salvation. It is interesting how God allows us to experience temporal and corporeal unpleasantness in order to drive us closer to Him. Change isn’t always bad! God’s light shined in her life.
The light of God brought the salvation of Caroline Snare’s soul. She now has the hope of eternal light and life. Through the influence of parents, teachers, friends, and most importantly, God, she now radiates God’s light. Let us be inspired to let our lights shine for we know it makes a difference.
