We live in very interesting days… earthquakes, wars, hate and xenophobia, lack, corruption, financial and economic uncertainty, same sex marriage, days when faithful single sisters give Jehovah ultimatums for marriage if not they would deliberately fall away, men become women and vice versa etc. I could go on; but I am sure you get the picture. As I write, I have a smile on my face because I know that somewhere in your mind you are saying ‘signs of the times’, right? Not a very pleasant way to start this article this month, right? But bear with me please.
I agree that we live in perilous days; days the Bible says we should ensure we are prepared for, when we must seriously watch and pray. I also believe that we are living in days where if care isn’t taken, some believers would fall away – substituting Truth with variants and modifications (the words ‘jara’ or ‘fisi’ come to mind) that promote comfort rather than holiness. But you know what? I welcome these days. Yes. Because while they are perilous I also strongly believe that we are living in days of unprecedented Opportunity.
As I muse about all these happening around me, it brings to mind Isaiah 60 when the prophet said that “the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people”; also John the Beloved who said in John 1:5 “that Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.”
Any primary school kid will confirm to you that the influence of any form of light or illumination is greater in the presence of darkness. No one in a bid to see clearly lights a candle or lamp when electricity/power/daylight is available or powered. Illumination from the lamp or candle is more apparent, easier to differentiate when darkness is the predominant environment.
So, what are we to do in these days we live in? I take my answer from Isaiah 60 where Isaiah tells us that we – believers should ARISE & SHINE!
How can one arise and shine if OUR personal predominant environment was darkness as well? Then we would be no different from everything and everyone we see around our world today – no power, no influence, helpless and impotent. Do you see God with no power, influence, helpless and impotent?
I believe very strongly that we – you and I are what the doctor ordered for our ailing world. We are the only chance this dying world has for LIFE. We are that spark that brings light, deliverance and hope.
Why do I believe this? Why because the Word says so. According to John the Beloved, the light that lights up mankind is the same Life that Jesus epitomises. Now you and I (believers) are made in His image. So, we indeed ARE the Light of the world. Darkness gives us an opportunity to let our light so shine to God’s glory. And you and I are well able to impact this world, and bring Kingdom will to bear in our land and in the lives of men. We simply have to grab our individual opportunity with both hands! In darkness, opportunity knocks. Someone could ask how? Even Mary asked ‘how can these things be, seeing as I am untouched?’
As a single girl of a certain age (don’t ask…), I’ve experienced people who believe that I have nothing to contribute because of my marital status. Unlike some, I don’t believe that I cannot impact this world for the kingdom outside of ‘cover’ of a man over my life. Neither do I accept that I cannot step out in faith to execute my mandate; bringing Kingdom life and light to this world because I am waiting for ‘Mr Big’ aka hubby.
When the blue print for mankind was created, and I was fashioned in Gods mind before the foundation of the world; I was given a mandate to be like God, to live and rule on earth as an Ambassador of the King. To convey His will, His agenda and to propagate His plans in my segment of history upon the earth. There was no caveat that marriage activates or hinders this. It simply is who I am.
I have the seed of God, His Light, His Life, His creative power inside of me NOW. You too have the seed of God, His Light, His Life, His creative power inside you NOW! If we have this seed (irrespective of our marital status, age, sex etc), then we have the mandate to produce after God’s kind – Kingdom kind. Ergo, opportunity knocks for us all individually and collectively to ARISE & SHINE.
I am reminded that Jesus said that because He has gone to the Father, greater things than He did will we do (individually and collectively). Here and now, we have the DNA, the building blocks to do anything through Christ who gives us strength.
We are what the world needs, for darkness has covered our land, gross darkness the peoples, and God expects- nay commands us to Arise and Shine and the impact, blessings, the change, the increase Isaiah prophesied will become a reality in our lives.
The question now is … are we willing to grab our opportunity? What will it take for you to Arise & Shine? Don’t forget that all of the creation eagerly anticipates your taking this opportunity to Arise & Shine. And you can, because you have Gods seed of genius inside of you!