Into the Marvelous Light – From the Edges

From the Edges – Into the Marvelous Light

Pastor Calvin Cook – August 8, 2024

Scripture Focus – Romans 8:26-28  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

What is our purpose? Is our purpose God’s purpose? Are we living in the marvelous light?

Years ago,  I would go night fishing with some friends.  We would go just before dark so we could see to get to our favorite fishing place, light our lantern and prepare for the night of fishing. It always seemed that just about the time it was the darkest, the lantern would run out of fuel, and we would be darkness. Some nights the darkness was great because of the overcast of clouds. On clear nights it seemed as if the moon and stars would illuminate the lake into one great light source. Though limited we were able to carry on and didn’t need to give up fishing.

I have recently thought about our present state with society. Good verses evil. Many voices speaking. Many choices of which way to go. A constant battle of the soul. One thing I have learned through these situations is the loneliness that is felt in the attacks of Satan (calling it for what it is) and the human difficulty we face in not giving in.

The scripture I share this morning is reminding us that we are never alone. That the Holy Spirit is always with us, in us, beside us, in front of us. We receive assurance that even when we don’t know what to do, the Holy Spirit on our behalf is praying deeply for us in ways that we can neither see, understand or many times even feel. It is in these times that we will see the clouds disappear for the light to guide our paths even in the hardest and darkest of times. It takes faith, trust, and perseverance.

Not to make this an easy peasy  thought of assurance and deliverance it takes us into the equation. It takes us keeping our focus on God and not how Satan is trying to distract us from destroying ourselves. It comes down to knowing our purpose. To know Jesus and make Jesus known. Not proclaiming when you have overcome something, or come out better that it was because of you, but because of the Holy Spirit working through you. This is where faith comes in.

One of the things we will have to understand for this to happen it will take being fully committed to God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Be reminded of the words from Romans 28:27 “because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” We must stop looking at God as a social human services God, doing for us and expecting nothing in return. God expects even requires full commitment, not just the “good to go attitude” that we have many times in our relationship with God. By the way this is also the difference between being religious and being a Disciple and Follower of Jesus.

The choice is yours, when you feel you have lost the light, you must be willing to receive the marvelous light of the God of the universe and beyond and move into a greater relationship and life with the one who is always with you. Have faith!