God in Darkness by Lori Kennedy

“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

Genesis 1:2 (NIV)

It’s so funny how once a concept has been introduced, it seems that all roads point to me “getting it”.  I think most Christians have been told that God is with you at all times – including the bad times and yes we know that.  However, sometimes we just need a reminder.  The truth is that God is always with us – even in our darkness.  God was in the darkness before He ever created light. 

 

Sometimes when I struggle, I begin to believe the lie that God has forsaken me.  I’m not alone in this.  Many Psalms portray this very concept.  We must be reminded of the truth.  The truth is that God meets you in your darkness and pain.  God is indeed there with you. It’s only as you take the focus off of yourself and look toward the light, that you are able to see the purpose in whatever has been allowed in your life.  God's goal is for something beautiful to emerge from any loss in your life.  God doesn’t ordain sin in your life or upon you, but He does promise to use it for good.  God wastes nothing.  Your pain is not in vain.  (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 5:3-5)

As long as you are alive on this earth, the story of your life is still being written.  The tapestry it weaves is being intertwined with others; many of whom you may never even realize or know.  Laurie Short says in her book, Finding Faith in the Dark, "When we give up on our story before God has finished writing it, we miss out on what our story has to give us. Sadder still, we miss out on what our story can become."

It’s so hard to understand darkness and pain and fully realize the purpose of it.  However, it was Job's inability to see the vastness in which his responses mattered in the larger picture that makes his story so powerful.  You may never know (on this side of heaven) how your responses in the midst of darkness may matter to the greater picture which is God's story woven through your life.  But be sure that when you respond with grace, mercy, and hope, you are weaving into someone else’s life.

On the other side of darkness comes healing.  Although healing can be difficult, we must remember that healing is for us.  Healing doesn’t discount what has happened or give someone a get out of jail free card; healing allows us to live in freedom!  Healing permits us to move through what has happened and use it for a greater purpose; a purpose beyond ourselves.  Healing helps write the story of our life that becomes yet one thread in a beautiful tapestry woven by God. 

Christian vocalist and speaker Lori Kennedy believes in sharing the gifts and talents in which Christ has blessed her.  Authenticity, transparency, and vulnerability are imperative to touching hearts for the Lord.  As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse from those in authority over her outside of her family of origin, Lori has had to overcome much to fulfill the destiny that God created just for her!