GLOWING IN THE DARK

A HIGHER HOPE – MARCH 2024

Joni Eareckson Tada (see below) recently posted on Instagram that “God permits what He hates, to accomplish that which He loves.” How often do we talk about this? How hard is it to accept that times of great suffering have been permitted by God, to allow even greater things to occur – for His glory and our growth? Is it a ridiculous notion to think that this topic could be ‘covered’ or ‘answered’ in a short article such as this one? Definitely yes, inconceivable. But does that mean we shy away from it completely? Please, no.

Yes, God is not the author of us suffering, but at the same time wants the best for us. How do we reconcile this? When life is just ‘plodding along’, it is easier to grasp this concept. Do you, like me, find it much more challenging to accept this during times of hardship, conflict, suffering and the unknown?

God hates suffering. Easter is SO important.

As the time for Jesus to endure the cross grew closer and closer, He spoke with the disciples plainly about it. (Matthew 26:2, Mark 10:33-34) Jesus said “… the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles, who will mock Him and spit on Him, flog Him and kill Him. Three days later He will rise.”

Jesus spoke about this to help them prepare for the dark days ahead. But when the dark days were upon them, the disciples panicked, fearing that everything Jesus had done, all He had talked about and everything He had promised would be dashed to pieces, with no hope of seeing the promises being fulfilled.

The disciples tried to cope with Jesus’ trial, flogging, and humiliating crucifixion through their human expectations and experience. They were expecting the “King of the Jews” to lead a military uprising, a coup, certainly not to be killed. During Jesus’ ministry, they saw Him raise Lazarus from the dead, but didn’t expect Jesus to be resurrected – all they could see was a cross, a tomb and such a finality about it all. Jesus tried to tell them that He would suffer excruciatingly, for the whole world’s sake so that the whole world would be able to be reconciled to God the Father. And to realise that He was willing to go through all this so that everyone could come back to God.

How do we understand when we are in the midst of the darkest of times and someone tells us that God has permitted this for the bigger or better purpose? The disciples were fearful and hard pressed to find understanding in such circumstances. How do we cope when someone quotes a bible verse such as this below to us?

“The secret is simply this: Christ in you! Yes, Christ in you bringing with Him the hope of all glorious things to come. ” Colossians 1:27 (Phillips Translation)

The idea of Christ in us helps – it cuts through the sense of hopelessness – it reminds us of both the compassion and power of Jesus Christ. Jesus experienced the worst life can throw at us and yet:

stayed in close communion with Father,
stayed obedient and trusting of the Father and
became the conduit TO the Father.

Easter is SO important.

Julia Baird points this out in her inspirational book ‘Phosphorescence – on awe, wonder & things that sustain you when the world goes dark’. She encourages us to see through the tough times and to look for the light. For Jesus on the cross it was a time of extreme darkness, and his disciples also were in complete darkness. When we go through difficult times, the darkness seems to completely swallow us up and it’s hard to see any light. Meditating on Christ in us helps us hold onto hope as well as be light for others in dark times. This Easter, may we reflect on how Christ glows in and through us to others.

Easter IS SO important, isn’t it?

Dr Tina Lamont

Biographical Note: Joni Eareckson Tada

When 17-year-old Joni Eareckson suffered an injury that paralysed her from the shoulders down, she thought her life was over. She had no idea why God would allow such a tragedy. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the accident, and as Joni reflects on the aftermath of that fateful day, she now understands the purpose behind her suffering. “God intended my suffering to be a platform for the saving of many lives! And all these years through the ministry of Joni and Friends, we’ve seen thousands of people and families who struggle with disabilities open their hearts to Jesus Christ.” — Joni and Friends Daily Devotional

Currently, Joni Eareckson Tada continues to live out the loving Biblical commission to “go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame.… Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full” (Luke 14:21, 23). As God continues to bless her and the Joni and Friends ministry, they will pass those blessings on to those who need them most.