Moreover the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah…while he was still…in prison, saying, “Thus says the LORD…‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’” (Jeremiah 33:1-3)
We all struggle, sooner or later, with the darkness of personal adversity. Yet in that darkness, God still speaks.
As I finish the manuscript of my latest book (Deck Time) that explores the secrets of finding peace and hope in adversity, I am reminded how God has spoken in and through my personal storms. Yes, I have invited some storms by past sinful choices; yet there are also storms of divine preparation and providence that seemingly serve no human purpose. And yet, in the darkness, He speaks to my heart.
God spoke to Jeremiah in prison. I suspect Jeremiah wanted different circumstances and outcomes. If it were me, I would have probably said, “Um, God, before You start Your message, can we please talk about getting me out of prison? After all, I only did and said what You asked of me. Why am I still here? Can You not speak to me in the safety and comfort of my own home?” Interestingly, God did not mention Jeremiah’s predicament or give an indication as to when he would be freed—He simply shared His message and mission.
Jesus said, “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light” (Matthew 10:27). He did not imply, “If I speak in the darkness,” but emphatically gave the expectation of “When I speak.” Darkness may cloud our minds and shrink our hearts; however, God’s whispers are a ray of unending light. He speaks in our darkness so we can encourage others by sharing what He told us.
Jeremiah 31:2 reveals people who “found grace in the wilderness.” They did not find grace by a refreshing oasis or the abundance of the Promised Land. No, it was in the dry, barren, wilderness. God shares His grace when He knows we need it most—and are most apt to be listening for Him. In the light of our comfort zones, we live in self-sufficiency; however, in the darkness, we recognize our inadequacies, insecurities, and futility. In our weakness, His strength is revealed.
If adversity and unfavorable circumstances cloud your skies today, listen for His whisper in the dark. He wants to share “great and mighty things.”
