Dark Places…

Easter weekend found me giving more than a bit of thought to “Silent Saturday.” Other than egg hunts as a kid, little attention was given to the Saturday before Easter. Yet, these many years later, I suspect there are more “Silent Saturdays” in our lives than repentant Fridays or Sunday resurrections.

Perhaps, when things look worst, as they did after the crucifixion, is when God is doing the most. Our silent times tend to linger far longer than one day, and in some instances, years. Still, that does not mean our personal transformation is delayed.

Jesus foretold the disciples of his death and resurrection, nonetheless, the disciples were not waiting expectantly on Sunday. They disregarded the very promise Jesus personally gave them.

We, too, can find it hard to hold on to those things God promised us as well. When circumstances look less than ideal, it is easy to let go of our dreams and purpose and instead merely seek to survive. Like Thomas, we can find ourselves surprised and doubtful of the very things we prayed for when they come to fruition.

 As Jesus fulfilled His promise to the disciples, God fulfills His promises to us. Jesus lay in a tomb separated from those who loved him before He was glorified before the Father. Maybe we must endure some dark places as well in preparation for the very miracles we seek to receive.

I have witnessed a caterpillar spin a cocoon. I have seen beautiful butterflies break free of them. However, I have never observed the metamorphosis of one into the other. This transformation is done out of sight, silently and without fanfare. Only when there is movement out of the darkness and into the light can we delight in the miracle.

We all endure some dark places.

Yet, the darkness is temporary.

We can push forward, into the Light, to become the very people God created us to be.

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
John 12: NKJV

 

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

32 comments

  1. I love this analogy and how we sometimes must have our quiet times and endure the dark stages in life in order to appreciate the light and the metamorphosis. I can totally relate. I’m still a work in progress, but God has definitely held my hand through all the dark times. I’ll never let go, and I know He won’t either. Great post.

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  2. Bruce R. Mills reblogged this, seen it on his sight and LOVED it! Sis, love your writing and perspective! Been awhile since last visited (been awhile for me writing too) but am so glad I got to read this!! Great job in inspiring and God bless you continually!!

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    1. Thanks so much for the encouraging words. I haven’t been able to write as much as I’d like to on WP due to other projects but that revelation kind of hit me like a brick so I couldn’t help but post it. This Resurrection season showed me quite a few things from different perspectives I hadn’t pondered before. God’s Word is ever teaching!
      B Blessed my brother and hopefully, I’ll get to “see” you more often. 🙂

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  4. Pingback: Dark Places… – Truth in Palmyra

  7. Your flowers are gorgeous and your message exactly what I needed, Lilka. I have so many dreams yet due to my life now, am not able to fulfill them. I must have FAITH. I’ve gone a long time with “silence” as in doing what I was called to do (now) yet in the process of carrying that calling out, sacrificing personal relationships. Bless you for these Words of Life!!! 🌷

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  8. Another awesome, encouraging post Lilka. That dark and silent place is not easy to bare, neither is it fun. I find myself reciting Hebrews 12:2 a lot lately: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the “silent, darkness” of The Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of The Throne of God” (KJV). I added a little to that verse but the word of God do say that The Cross brought darkness over the land, and I don’t believe that our Father was speaking to our Lord at that particular moment in time, so it was also silent. Thank you my sister in Christ for once again allowing The Spirit of God to use you to speak directly into my spirit and to give conformation. God BLESS you and yours.
    …LOVE…GRACE…PEACE…

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    1. So glad Stacy. I really felt compelled to write that after it struck me. You know my posting schedule is REALLY irregular so rarely will I have two go out so close together. God’s Word is a living, breathing power that reveals more and more no matter how often you look. I’m grateful for a season where I can see new revealing things I never noticed before.

      Christ endured and we can too! For the joy set before Him. We often forget there is joy set before us as well. B Blessed, my brother, God’s got YOU!

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  10. Thank you for this amazing promise of God’s faithfulness.

    🙂 🙂 🙂

    “Perhaps, when things look worst, as they did after the crucifixion, is when God is doing the most. Our silent times tend to linger far longer than one day, and in some instances, years. Still, that does not mean our personal transformation is delayed”

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    1. Amen! Indeed it can be hard to remember when we are in those dark places but it is vital for survival in this wacky world.
      Your comment reminds me of a song we used to sing in church when I was as a kid. Part of the lyrics said, “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine…” 😀 B Blessed on your end. Peace and hugs to you!

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  13. Ahh, yes. Beautiful truths here. There are many dark places so long as we sojourn in this dark world. But we have the Light within us and bear His light with us until we someday take our permanent places in His country. Love this reminder, Lilka!

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