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GOD'S LIGHT IN DARK PLACES
Manifesting His Light

A Commentary by Constance Vanides

The dark of night in a hospital bed can be a dreadful place, or a place of hope. My soul stirred me into wakefulness as I perceived nurses and other professionals hovering over me. I struggled with my mind to separate good from evil and finally, I knew it was through the prayers of the faithful that I was able to sense the presence of my Lord Jesus, who knows all about me, cares, loves and protects me. I felt I was under His wings, covered with His feathers. All fear was gone.

“He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night…nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness…” (Psalm 91:4-6)

I was transferred to an acute care center to regain physical strength from being hospitalized for two weeks. God used this time of enforced inactivity to show and tell me things I needed to know.

“Be still and know that I am God...” (Psalm 46:10)

At first, I found it easy to be cranky, to complain about this and that, especially the food. Then I remembered reading in the bible about the children of Israel. Led by Moses out of Egypt to their promised land, instead of being thankful to be taken out of slavery from the burdens the Egyptians placed on them, they complained, especially about the food!

“Then the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness.” (Exodus 16:2)

I learned to repent of the things in my life I had neglected. God’s response was to remind me of the many other times He kept me alive from grave illnesses. Then in the stillness He poured upon me His compassion to see others in their conditions of hurts and sorrows. Further, I was shown the love He placed on the hearts of caregivers to be able to do the service they are called to do.

Finally, I got out of myself and saw others as I’ve never seen before. I watched each one and began to thank all as they worked while smiling, unselfishly giving with love and skill to meet the needs of those under their care, especially the most difficult of cases.

Surrendered to the Lord, I began to allow some measure of His reflected light to shine through me.

“You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)

CONVERSING WITH GOD
What would you have me do, My Lord?
Can I show Your love in everything?
This I cannot do, certainly without your touch.
Your living presence in me!
What is Your will then for my life?
“Stay close,” You say?
That’s all?
You say, “Yes, but all is all of you.
Can you offer this? I will do the rest!”

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© Constance Vanides