God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1b, NIV

 

Along the rocky coast of Scotland lies a small fishing village where a lighthouse has guided ships safely into the harbour for many years.

 

One day, a fierce storm struck the village. The wind howled, enormous waves crashed against the rocks, and the power supply to the entire village was knocked out. Everything was plunged into darkness. Even the lighthouse went dark.

 

An 82-year-old man named Tom, who had worked as a lighthouse keeper for many years, immediately realised the danger that the fishing boats still out at sea were facing. Without the lighthouse beam to guide them, they could easily crash into the rocks.

 

Tom grabbed a powerful flashlight and hurried through the storm to the lighthouse. He climbed the stairs, positioned himself where the light could be seen, and directed its beam out across the dark sea.

 

According to the story, Tom stood there for 18 hours, shining his light across the water, hoping to guide the fishermen home safely. Crew members from at least two boats reportedly said afterwards that they might have crashed into the rocks had they not seen his light.

 

Tom's story reminds me of the words of 1 John 1:5. Moreover, John 8:12 declares: "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ "

 

Sometimes we feel like those fishing boats caught in the storm. The waves crash around us, the darkness makes it difficult to see what lies ahead, and we wonder whether we will ever reach safe ground again. But this is the good news: God is not a faint little flashlight flickering somewhere in the distance. He is our eternal light, and his light can never be extinguished.

 

Today, instead of focusing on the size of the waves or the darkness surrounding you, fix your eyes on the one who is greater than every storm. And remember, just as Tom used his flashlight to help others find their way home, God can use you to shine his light into someone else's darkness. Sometimes a kind word, a simple act of love or a moment of encouragement is all it takes to remind someone that they are not alone.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for being the light in my life, even in my darkest moments. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you and trust you to guide me through every storm. Use me today to shine your light into the lives of those around me. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.