Does God Lead Us Into Dark Places?
Throughout the Bible, God led his people into worlds different from their own, places they would never have chosen to go.
Esther in Darkness
“God separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:4b (Amplified Version)
In the book of Esther, a young woman was taken from her home and family, placed in a world vastly different from her own. Esther encountered a growing darkness threatening to wipe out an entire nation of people, her people. As we continue reading her story, we realize God placed Esther in that dark palace so His light could break through.
Esther became the vessel of Light through prayer. And when she and her people fasted, more light dawned by way of heaven’s wisdom seen through Esther’s courage. Although there is much more to Esther’s story, the bottom line is this: When God’s Spirit is active in His people, God separates the light from the darkness. What would have happened if Esther had not been a faithful vessel of God’s light in the darkness?
Daniel in Darkness
“Darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light; and there was light.’ ” Genesis 1: 2-3 (Amplified Version)
Daniel was a mere boy when he was taken from his home and transported to Babylon. Along with his friends, God gifted Daniel with wisdom and skill and knowledge beyond their earthly understanding. Instead of trying to find a way to escape from the dark kingdom of Babylon, Daniel pressed into the Lord and grew into a man of prayer, surviving several administrations and great danger.
The Holy Spirit hovered over Daniel’s life, and God’s Word continued to flourish as light broke through the darkness of idolatry and hatred. In the sixth chapter of Daniel, the king himself declared Daniel’s God as Savior and Deliverer. God separated the darkness from the light, revealing his glory and love to the leader of a pagan nation and its people. What would have happened had Daniel not pressed into the Lord despite the darkness?
Has God Led You Into a Dark Place?
Psalm 23 tells us that even in the shadowed valley, God is with us. He is everything I need, everything you need. Perhaps you feel small and insignificant, but our God is HUGE!
You won’t remain in this dark place forever. God always separates the darkness from the light. Trust that He is leading you, step by step, even now. Turn to the New Testament and watch Jesus invade dark places with His love and hope.
- Matthew 4:16
- Matthew 6:22-23
- John 1:5
- And many more!
Let Him do the same for you.
