I was alone, late at night, when the power went out. Every source of light in the house went dark. Funny, how I depend on electricity. I sat in complete darkness. No moon or stars shone that night, so there was no help from outside. It’s an eerie feeling—not being able to see anything. Suddenly, everything I was accustomed to, that had given me security, had disappeared.

No problem, I thought, I’d walked the path to the utility cupboard a million times. My flashlight was there. I’d just go get it. I took a few steps in the direction I thought I should go, and stubbed my toe on a chair. How did that get there? Just a little off course. Redirecting, I smacked my shin on the coffee table. This was more difficult than I'd thought. I put both hands in front and felt my way through the room.

Suddenly I saw a flash of light. A car had passed on the street outside—its headlights there and gone in an instant. But that brief flash of light gave me the orientation I needed to reach my destination. I corrected my route and found the cupboard.

Flashlight in hand, I returned to the living room, shining its light on the floor ahead of me to save my toes and knees.

Funny how disoriented I’d become without light. Walking was difficult—and frightening.

I’m lost without electric light. How much more lost would I be without the Light of the world. John 1 says the world was in darkness until Jesus came.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

Jesus came to shine a light on those living in darkness and to guide our feet into the path of peace. (Luke 1:79)

Jesus is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Living in a world without Jesus’ light is far worse than my trek through a darkened house. It’s frightening and always off course.

I live by the light of Jesus. I can be like the car’s headlights. My testimony, however small I consider it, might be the brief flash of light that helps someone correct their course and reach the true Source of Light.


Safe, relaxing reading.