“For thou art my lamp, O Lord; and the Lord will lighten my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22-29 (KJV)
Once, I felt that a testimony was to encourage sinners of God’s great goodness and mercies. But during difficult times, I have discovered it’s also God’s way of sending us an answer to prayer or to give us a better understanding of God’s direction. Recently, a testimony of a dear fellow Christian sister reaffirmed God’s goodness and comfort in times of sadness and confusion.
Some years ago, before my dad passed, he was diagnosed with dementia. My dad was a minister and pastor for over 25 years. During some of his sermons, he would speak about his commitment to God and the ministry. He would tell of a time when he had a situation during a work incident when another man hit him in the face. Laughing at him, he said, “Is God going to help you now, preacher?” My dad was put in a difficult situation. Later, he would testify that he prayed on that day and told God he would serve him even if it meant he had to do it in rags. Throughout the years, there were difficult times, but my dad’s faith never faltered. He was willing to minister and pastor in churches where others would not go.
While my dad was suffering with dementia, I often asked God why this happened to my dad? He served God all those years and now he was in a dark place not even recognizing his family or mixing up dates and times. Assurance from others who experienced the same fate with their parents gave no real peace of mind. Two weeks before my dad was called home, I had the opportunity to return for a family visit. Unrecognized by him during the visit, God gave me assurance that my dad knew who God was. After he was served his lunch, my dad said grace before eating his meal like he had always done during my upbringing. My heart rejoiced in that moment.
Dad always lived his life as a light unto the world. Looking back, I can draw from this—he always let his light shine as a candle in the night.
When we, as Christians, live the life God intended, we are a candle in the night to someone whether the lost, or someone needing direction, or a better understanding of what God has planned for their lives. We are to reflect God’s light. We are to take what we learn from his truth and share it with the world and not keep it to ourselves. As those who reflect God’s light, let us not forget we are to open the eyes of the blind whether they our neighbor or those we have yet to meet.
Whether we are a missionary, a pastor, a bible teacher, or a writer living out our lives as a candle in the world, we light a path unto others, who may follow, seeking a better understanding of God or leading a lost soul to God’s shelter.
So, to my dad and minister(s), who have lived their lives as candles, I saw that light and have experienced a greater desire and excitement to follow in that same direction for my life. I pray for even more guidance from God to fill my life so that I may be a candle to others.
“A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench; he shall bring forth judgement unto truth.” Isaiah 42-3 (KJV)
Cynthia Beckwith 8/24
Aug 2024
