We often think that the biggest storms always occur on oceans, not realizing
that the storms on the Great Lakes in North America are just as dangerous, if
not more so, than the oceanic storms. In 1838, Francis Count de Castlenau, a
French naturalist, described a gale near South Manitou Island. "We were a
plaything of the giant waves . . . I have seen the squalls off the banks of
Newfoundland . . . And the hurricanes of the Gulf of Mexico. Nowhere have I
witnessed the fury of the elements comparable to that found on this fresh water
sea."
Many boats lost in darkness either sank or were stranded with all men aboard.
Without lighthouses they were doomed. When lighthouses were built on the Great
lakes, hope was renewed. Some, however, continued to sink, as they couldn't see
the light shining forth. The elements kept them from seeing clearly. Without
light, we are truly doomed.
"But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If
then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! " (Matt 6:23,
NIV2)
How many among us live in total darkness? We may think we have some light inside
us, but if we remain wanting, there is something amiss. It's a sure indication
that we have no idea what light truly means. We may hunger for light, but as
long as we also long for darkness, light will never be able to come through: "No
one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or
you will be devoted to the one and despise the other." (Matt 6:24a, NIV2)
Last time we discovered that we have to come to our senses before we can hunger
for light. But just hungering for light is not enough. We also have to be
willing to leave behind whatever it is that keeps us from reaching that light.
Sadly, many remain in the bondage of darkness, not realizing that true freedom
can only be found in the Light.
What can be done?
We have to come to our senses. Do we truly enjoy reveling in our vices? We know
deep down that sooner or later they will swallow us whole, a real shipwreck,
leading us to certain death. Only then, it will be too late. Darkness will
remain for eternity.
Why not come to our senses and decide what is really worthwhile for us? When we
chose light, we discover grace beyond imagination. Only then will we begin to
have a purpose that will fill our hearts with abundance. All emptiness will
evaporate. We have finally found the light-saving Light.
We can remain in the dark as these ships facing the gales; but is it really
worthwhile to remain in the calamities of our own lives, when we can be in the
safety of the Light?
Light or darkness? What will it be?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.