“For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness…’” - 2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Reflection by Taylor Milbradt
In the above verse, Paul refers to the passage in Genesis to introduce how God has made His light shine in our hearts. Most of us probably feel satisfied with our lives most of the time, but we all have known or will know challenging times. Paul reminds us that when those times come, God has provided each of us with the “light” in our hearts, the light to know the glory of God through Jesus Christ.
Further in the passage Paul describes his trials and how although “hard pressed on every side,” he is “not crushed.” In our lives, the death of a loved one, illness, or disappointment in our personal or professional life can leave us feeling “hard pressed,” sometimes so overwhelmed we can hardly function. But Paul tells us not to “lose heart,” that God is with us. The power to overcome trying times comes not from us, but from God and
He provides all that we need to overcome all our trials. Paul assures us that God does not allow his children to be “crushed,” “abandoned” or “destroyed.” God is there watching over us, ensuring that we can handle whatever happens. One of the great gifts from God is the steadfastness of His love and caring for each of His children. When you feel “hard pressed” or overwhelmed, ask God to “turn up” His light in your heart.
