Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

“My soul yearns for you in the night, and in the morning my spirit searches and looks out for you” Isaiah 26:9

Are you facing a darkness that has left you without sight or light? Throughout my life I have often found that right before the dawn breaks through, the darkness will appear as though it will swallow me alive. I have also learned through those dark moments to stand on the truth that I know rather than on what I see (or in those moments…what I can’t see!).

We often throw around these little quotes such as, “It’s always darkest before the dawn.” or “The end is merely signaling your new beginning.” after we’ve come through the darkness. But if you are standing in the midst of the darkest hour, I’d like to encourage you to make that place a holy place. Allow the yearning of your soul in the dark night to become the sound of surrender. Cry out to the One who is the Light of the World and in the midst of the darkness declare that you have been given a great light.

Rather than let the darkness swallow you, let the light of Christ swallow the darkness. The times in life that leave you standing in the dark can become the most holy moments as you learn to declare His faithfulness and goodness in the face of opposing circumstances. As you declare the truth of who He is and offer the worship that He is due, the darkness suddenly becomes swallowed up in victory.

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “

O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?”” 1 Corinthians 15:55

What if you replace the word death with darkness? Surely darkness is swallowed up in victory when we declare His glorious goodness and light.

Some of my greatest victories have been won in my darkest hours. As I learned to allow His light to shine forth in the darkness, I was given victory over the power of darkness that was seeking to swallow me up. It is time to gain victory over the power that darkness has had over you!

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3

The dawn will come and it will illuminate the testimony of Jesus that was forged in the darkness! Just like in Daniel 3 when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego walked in the fire and came forth victorious; so will you!

Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. Daniel 3:26-27

The power of darkness will not have consumed you, singed you nor harmed you because you know that the Light of the World is standing there with you. Just like the smell of fire was not found upon these three who walked in the flames, neither will despair, depression or hopelessness come upon you as you recognize that you are not alone in the darkness…for there is another standing with you and there is NO darkness in Him!

Now is the time to raise your hallelujah! Yes, right in the midst of the darkness and in the presence of your enemy. That is when you raise your voice and sing a little louder until you see the darkness flee. The power of the cross will swallow up the power of darkness!

The dawn of victory is about to rise. Let the light of the new day reveal the testimony of Jesus that is being formed in the darkness, while no one is looking. Let darkness hear the sound of your victory song and see the dance of the overcomer. Darkness can not withstand the light…so let your light shine.

This just might be your finest hour!

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To support the ministry of Kathi Pelton with a financial gift, go to: https://www.inscribeministries.com/

Thank you to all who have sown into our upcoming six weeks of travel as we go out to make the “worth of Jesus” known throughout the world. We pray abundant favor and blessings upon you and your household!!

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