Monday, January 22, 2007
Treasures in Darkness
“And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” Isaiah 45:3
The ice storm of the century hit the Ozarks last week causing downed trees, limbs and power lines. I was without electrical power for more than a week. During this time life consisted of simple survival. Without the benefit of electricity, the daylight hours became precious as I welcomed the dawn each morning and dreaded sunset when once again the darkness closed in.
During this time, I learned some things—like how to start and keep a fire going in the fireplace! I can do more than I thought I could—like split wood. I discovered I can tolerate cooler temperatures. Because of the forced darkness, my refrigerator got a complete cleaning, I had the chance to help neighbors, a chance for more time spent with family without the television. I learned to be more thankful for the modern conveniences we all take for granted and to appreciate simple things like candles, batteries, books.
It seems an unlikely place, but there are treasures in darkness. “The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.” (2 Chronicles 6:1) Even though I don't enjoy trials, I must admit that there are things learned in this place that could only be learned in darkness. It is the place of knowing God on a deeper level and coming to a greater understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. Facing the darkness brings me closer to the Light.
The ice storm of the century hit the Ozarks last week causing downed trees, limbs and power lines. I was without electrical power for more than a week. During this time life consisted of simple survival. Without the benefit of electricity, the daylight hours became precious as I welcomed the dawn each morning and dreaded sunset when once again the darkness closed in.
During this time, I learned some things—like how to start and keep a fire going in the fireplace! I can do more than I thought I could—like split wood. I discovered I can tolerate cooler temperatures. Because of the forced darkness, my refrigerator got a complete cleaning, I had the chance to help neighbors, a chance for more time spent with family without the television. I learned to be more thankful for the modern conveniences we all take for granted and to appreciate simple things like candles, batteries, books.
It seems an unlikely place, but there are treasures in darkness. “The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.” (2 Chronicles 6:1) Even though I don't enjoy trials, I must admit that there are things learned in this place that could only be learned in darkness. It is the place of knowing God on a deeper level and coming to a greater understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. Facing the darkness brings me closer to the Light.
8 Comments:
This is Fisher Yu, Chinese teacher at Morrison. I wrote some words in this here once and I am not sure if you read it.
Dwight Johnson told me your story and the blog. I wrote a short introduction in my bolg about your family, and I started writing 1000 thanks to God. I have come to 51 today.
I write articles for Chritian Tribune, which is issued 3 days a week. The editors there read what I wrote about you. They asked your permission to have an interview with you and shre yout story with the newspaper readers.
My email is
fisher099tw@yahoo.com.tw
tel. (04) 2291-2908 (after 6:30 pm)
cell: 0972-357-911
Revised version:
This is Fisher Yu, Chinese teacher at Morrison. I wrote some words in this blog here once and I am not sure if you read it.
Dwight Johnson told me your story and the blog. I wrote a short introduction in my bolg about your family, and I started writing 1000 thanks to God, too. I have come to 51 today.
I write articles for Christian Tribune, which is issued 3 days a week. The editors there read what I wrote about you. They asked me for your permission to make an interview with you and share yout story with the newspaper readers.
My email is
fisher099tw@yahoo.com.tw
tel. (04) 2291-2908 (after 6:30 pm)
cell: 0972-357-911
沒電的日子ㄧ定很難受，希望天氣可以變好一些，祝福您生活ㄧ切安好。
來自台灣的STEVEN BETTY STEPHANIE SHARA
I missing you very much!!!
wish you cam come back soon.
by stephanie
Praying for you as God brings you to mind. I have used your story/testimony as an encouragement to others and am thankful that you see and recognize God in the midst of you journey.
May you be especially blessed as you seek Him this week.
Looking forward to more posts soon!!
You encourage me in my walk...
We're proud of you! You've earned your merit badge. Looking forward to getting an update when you get back.
Dwight
Reading you account was very intersting Im glad the sun came back DIA
The light is brightest where it is darkest. I remember when we lived in the jungle and would light our coleman lantern...it seemed SOOO bright! But here in the city a 60 watt bulb is dull. We often fill our lives with "artificial" light, and thus the "True Light of the World" seems less bright. great post, once again.
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