The ministry of darkness

Pastor Mairos                                                    
Part Two                                                            
Isaiah 50:10 Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.

In the previous article it was pointed out that if God allows darkness to come upon you even though you have not sinned against Him, you must not light your own fire. And lighting your own fire involves you scheming and plotting a speedier return to light, fretting and trying to secure your emancipation and removal from the darkness. 
Now, if God does not want you to escape the ministry of darkness by your own means then what does He want you to do in the time of darkness?
The answer lies in Isaiah 50:10b which admonishes “let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” The name of the Lord denotes His character of faithfulness in keeping His promises and good reputation for never-failing us. The Name of the Lord is a stronger tower, the righteous run to it and find safety. His name is Emmanuel — God with us, in the light and in the dark.
Trusting God means absence of doubt in the face of uncertainty. Stay or fix your mind upon God with an unshakable confidence that He alone is your deliverer and will come through for you. It is totally abandoning yourself to Him, cleaving to Him as your only hope. This was the attitude of Job when he declared to God that though He was slaying him yet he would trust in Him.
Times of darkness are meant to deepen our trust in God because trust is deepened when God puts us in a situation where we have no other choice but to trust.
We truly learn to live by faith when circumstances are not working favourably for us. Our spiritual growth and maturity is accelerated during times of darkness.  Our character is refined. Our vision is purified. We learn true compassion, patience and sympathy.  We become more understanding and sensitive, and we will not judge others ruthlessly and carelessly when they are in troubles and we will stop giving them superficial answers to their problems like, “just pray, it will be alright.” 
Trusting God in dark times is enhanced by a positive concentration on your normal duties, developing yourself and walking in the light of previous revelations. For instance, according to Jeremiah 29, the captives’ darkness was going to last for 70 years as per God’s design. Therefore any scheming or screaming for an earlier release was futile.  He advised them rather to do ordinary duties in their waiting period like gardening, building houses and marrying. In essence, they were to make themselves at home and happy while God’s purposes were being fulfilled.
Jeremiah knew that their desire for immediate release from the darkness would cause them to be idle, cold, and hopeless and that attitude would interfere with the accomplishment of God’s purpose.  A co-operative, trusting and confident attitude would please God and result in light being brought earlier.
Continued, heartfelt earnest prayer,  and fasting that does not only involve not eating and drinking but also showing kindness and mercy to other people in need guarantees a speedier breaking forth of light and release from your darkness. Sowing seeds generously of forgiveness, kindness, love, food and money will also guarantee your harvest of the desired light. Making vows and fulfilling them is one way to get speedy deliverance as Hannah did.
Benny Hinn said, “When God’s people are in trouble making and fulfilling a vow is the only way out.” Having done all of the above ways that prove your trust in God and others, then just wait, sit tight and hang in there praising and worshipping God. It is harder to wait than to wail, to tarry than to toil and to exercise patience than to exert energy.
However, learn to wait for the light to come and as sure as the dawn follows the night so will light replace your darkness. The approach of your light is usually signalled by a solid peace in your heart that tells you all is well even though nothing has changed a bit in your external circumstances.  Remember it is darkest just before dawn.
-For prayer and counselling call 011877180 or email: mairos78@yahoo.co.uk