Isaiah 9:1-7
Every life has a story to tell. Every story begins with darkness. A few lives come out of darkness into light, and go on to multiplication, increase, and rejoicing in a great harvest. Some lives continue in darkness, leaving a legacy of death to their dear family, friends, and precious souls everywhere. Others leave a legacy of the Light and Life in Jesus Christ. What is my legacy? What will yours be?
As I read this portion of Scripture in Isaiah, I see the important elements of my own life story. As with every person born, whether we admit it or not, there I was, walking in darkness. My darkness was a moral life in a dead religion, dutiful church attendance, living in kindness to others, a claim of belief in God and Jesus Christ. Darkness? Why?—because it was in the pride of my own flesh—no life of Jesus—no surrender of my ways and plans—no death to self to let Jesus have His way and live His life in me. Darkness! "When the light that is in you be darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Mt. 6:23) But in His great mercy, the Lord Himself confronted me, stopping me in my tracks. Jesus Himself stood before me that day, requesting my permission to look into my heart. With fear and trembling I agreed. What revelation! Black darkness! Everything I thought was good was revealed as wicked in His pure Light. I stood in His piercing Presence, and it revealed my utter depravity and brought me to despairing repentance. Finally, I was in agreement with a Holy God! There I saw Jesus, crucified for my sin. I knew then I was responsible for the death of the perfect, spotless Jesus. I fell before Him in Love and Surrender, giving Him my all and receiving His all. That's when I, who walked in darkness, saw the great Light and that Light flooded my soul, making all things new in my heart and life. I was "translated out of the Kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom (the absolute rule and reign) of Jesus Christ." My life was all new, no longer my own, never to be the same again!
That was the beginning of miracles, and Jesus alone is worthy of all praise and glory! What would be next for my precious Lord and me? Praise God, He always has more to reveal of Himself in order to grow His people in love and service. So He brought me through the holy fires of Pentecost to give me a pure ministry for His glory. This is truly the most exquisite pain ever, but His great refining flame releases my shout of praise: Hallelujah! Wonderful! Counselor! Mighty God! Everlasting Father! Prince of Peace! This is not my story, but His! Is His story evident in your life, too? What does your life say to others? The Lord alone knows how to make our lives a legacy of witness to Jesus Christ! Come, grow and go with me from darkness to Light, and together may we ever give all praise and glory to our awesome God!
~ Cindy Warren
