Dark Places
And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow.
-- Luke 22:41-45 (NKJV)
In our gratitude for the Resurrection, we can readily forget that Jesus endured dark hours of anguish prior to rising on the third day. Though our Savior was aware that His death would be temporary, He was troubled. Jesus sought the comfort of disciples who failed to stay awake and pray with Him. Perhaps, that is why our Lord is so patient with us when we feel alone, in the dark, and struggle with life’s challenges. An unexpected medical report, job loss, or passing of a loved one quickly leaves us feeling isolated and paralyzed by fear.
Unlike Jesus, we don’t know what comes next. Rarely do we have an end date for our trials. Still, growth and transformation are often preceded by seasons of difficulty. It is necessary that we experience hardships that ultimately forge us into better versions of ourselves. Our dark times will bury us if we allow them. However, when we remember that Jesus was also in a dark place, we find comfort knowing that He recognizes our pain even when we don’t have words to express our distress.
Our trials are never intended to bury us. Instead, we are planted like seeds. Seeds generate deep roots under pressure, seemingly isolated from the warmth of the sun. It is in the dark that we mature, expand our faith, and seek the Lord with fervor. The storms we despise facilitate growth. The silent Saturdays between misery and miracle are necessary. In these times, God does not answer. Those closest to us forsake us. The burdens we bear are overwhelming. Our faith is tested.
Yet, the pressure of this world produces endurance and wisdom when we allow it. If our Savior suffered prior to His resurrection, we should expect no less. As we respond prayerfully and submit in obedience to the Father, we also please God. He is glorified by our transformation. Accepting a new life in Christ allows our dark times to produce character, patience, and clarity. Though difficult, we don’t have to dread the dark.
Every person God plants eventually finds the Light.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Reflect on a dark period in your life that God pulled you through. How did you behave while you waited for a resolution?
2. How can you encourage someone currently going through a demanding situation?
