The days are different now.  Slower.  Quieter.  While the nations rage… there is a strange stillness all around. Things are changing… I’ve been thinking, praying (a lot) even my time reading has been different.  I tend to go to the New Testament writings of Paul and I simply love John, but lately I’ve been drawn to the book of Isaiah.

The prophet of God spoke hard truths to a disobedient people.  He warned them of what was coming if they did not turn from their disobedience and sin.  This is not a read which gives you lots of warm fuzzies.  Its hard truth given by God Almighty.  As you read Isaiah, there are themes that begin to repeat and offer hope and love in the midst of warnings and times of great darkness.  The Lord told Isaiah to tell the people they’re in darkness and following the ways of the world and that disobedience has consequences.  BUT He also tells them there is salvation for those who call on His Name.

Isaiah 8 is about the people looking to the world for wisdom and understanding in times of distress, however Isaiah 9 starts with the three-letter word - BUT.

But God.  But look to Me.  But there is a great light coming into the darkness.  But there is a Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Mighty God, a Prince of Peace and of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end.  In the middle of the great darkness, Isaiah was told to shine the light on Jesus, the coming Savior.  What are we to do in the current darkness of our day?  We’re called to do the same.  Shine the light on Jesus.  The world is broken.  The world is searching for solutions.  The world is dark.  But Jesus.

Do you feel helpless by events and things beyond your control?  Shine the light on Jesus, just like Isaiah did.  The Lord asked Isaiah in a vision, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah answered, “Lord, Here I am! Send me.”  Whom will the Lord use in 2023?  May we each answer, “Lord, Here I am! Send me.”

Shine the light of Christ in your areas of influence today and in the days to come.  Your family and friends need to hear that this is not all there is and we are not left hopeless and afraid.  Draw near to God and share Him with others through phone calls, prayer, handwritten notes of encouragement, texts.  Speak into one another with encouraging words.  Use any and all means you have to shine, so the world will see the Savior and hearts will be changed for eternity.

Tom