From darkness to light

May you be made strong with all the strength which comes from his glorious power, so that you may be able to endure everything with patience. And with joy give thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to have your share of what God has reserved for his people in the kingdom of light. He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.  (verses 11-14)

Read Colossians 1: 1-14

In 1989 the Berlin Wall fell. Communist dictatorships in Eastern Europe collapsed one after the other with astonishing rapidity. After long dark years of repression and hardship, people could see the beginning of a bright new period of freedom. Amid the celebrations, however, many realised that there would still be hard times ahead as they sought to rebuild their countries.

You have come out of darkness into the light. God has rescued you from the power of darkness and brought you safe into the kingdom of his dear Son. Here your sins are forgiven and you are set free. Under Jesus’ rule you now enjoy a time of healing and hope.

But you still face hardships and dangers. You continue to need God’s help and support. He can make you strong, so that you can keep living in the freedom he has given you.

Be thankful that God has brought you out of darkness into the light. Look to God for the strength you need to keep living in the light.

Lord, thank you for bringing me out of darkness into your light. Give me the strength I need to keep living in the light. Amen.

by John Pfitzner, in ‘Assurances for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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