It's Always Darkest Before the Dawn

“It’s always darkest before the dawn.” This modernized version of a quote by Thomas Fuller, is a quote I’ve heard dozens of times as a form of encouragement in difficult seasons. In one such season, I meditated on this quote as I lay down for the night. The season, as the night, was dark indeed. I was facing, yet again, illness that altered my life, my ability to work, my finances and my self worth. Alone in the dark, I cried out to God,

Lord, I pray that it truly is always darkest before the dawn. Please let this be the darkest night, and bring light in the dawn.

That very next morning, I awoke to my heart feeling hope, my shoulders noticeably lighter and an idea of solutions to some of the more immediate difficulties. While I was not physically healed, God had touched my spirit overnight. I was able to see God’s light, and I had what I can only describe as Holy Spirit energy and enthusiasm.

While I will never compare myself to the disciples, I can only imagine how they felt the day that the Holy Spirit came upon them. Jesus commanded them:

“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 NIV

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts1:8 NIV

The disciples had a face-to-face, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and their lives turned dark as their rabbi, their mentor, their friend was brutally killed by crucifixion. But their darkness once again became bright upon Jesus’ resurrection, and even brighter still when they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4 NIV

Ever had a “holy-chill-bumps” moment? I will bet what is chronicled in Acts was a “hair-stand-on-end, catch-me-cuz-I’m-gonna-pass-out” moment.

Throughout the days following my cry out to God, the change was remarkable. Worry was no longer residing in my mind or heart. As if going down a “to do” list, God provided stable finances enough to cover my general living expenses, friends to complete necessary home repairs, and God’s spirit once again flowing through my writing.

That day, God renewed His promise to me that I would someday “take this show on the road.” I have made a commitment that if my health situation is the “thorn” I must carry so that I may do God’s work, I will do so.

I am not giving up on healing, but I have given in to that still, small voice that is the Holy Spirit.

When faced with dark times, do you see the dawn? Ask God to show you the light of the Holy Spirit. Recognize that you are SIGNIFICANT to God. No matter your situation, nothing is impossible!

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