By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Light Up Your World Devotion Series, Day 2 of 3 

Exposing Darkness

John 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

On my family's ranch, we occasionally spot deer and other exotic animals during the daytime. However, if we really want to see the wildlife, we go on a night adventure with flashlights. On our last adventure, we spotted at least 100 wild animals - many clustered in groups. Once flashing our lights on them, their beady, glowing eyes quickly caused the deer to be exposed!

Even before we flashed our lights on them, they were still there, but WE could not see them. The light only revealed what was already there.

In Ephesians 6:12, the Bible explains that we are not in a battle with just "flesh and blood" but instead with the "powers of this DARK world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

There are times in life where we are faced with dark sometimes confusing situations-maybe controversy with others, temptation, financial struggles, sickness, etc. Just like we couldn't see those deer until the light was shone on them, these situations and the right way to handle them will not come to light until we allow God to reveal the truth.

This happens when we submit our hearts to God while inviting the Holy Spirit to be active in our lives. The Holy Spirit is greater than any "flashlight." He can illuminate everything - extinguishing ALL darkness.

Sadly though, IF we do not invest time into our daily relationship with the Lord, our vision is limited and that truth may come after much unnecessary struggle and destruction. Too often, we operate in our own wisdom or emotions. When doing so, we are trying to fight or reveal darkness WITH darkness-a fruitless and exhausting method.

Mark 4:22 reveals, "For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light." The only way to expose that truth is to shine God's light on it.

For example, if you are given a negative health report, shine God's Word on that report and be encouraged by such verses as James 5:15, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up..."

I challenge you today to strengthen your "spiritual wattage" by developing a closer walk with the Lord. By doing so, He will reveal the truth and wisdom to you in all things.

Dear Lord, Help me to become in-tune with the Holy Spirit so that I can always see the truth and respond according to Your prompting.

I also thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.