In Times of Darkness

Several months ago, my husband and I woke to the sound of explosions in the distance. We’d lived in this region for several years, and this wasn’t the first conflict that crept too close for comfort, but this time we weren’t prepared for it.

We fought our fear as we scrambled out of bed to check on our young daughters, determined to remain calm for them. Thankfully, they were barely aware of the violence just across the border.

We watched the news and reached out to local friends and fellow Frontiers team members. After confirming that no one we knew had been harmed, we prayed with those feeling fear and apprehension. Later, we did our best to carry on as if it were a normal day.

We assumed it was over when things went silent for a while. Then our town’s siren blared another warning.

Each time the alarm sounded, our family gathered in the safest part of the house. We prayed and sang worship songs, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus instead of the uncertainty surrounding us.

And Jesus was so faithful. He granted us peace that surpassed all understanding.

“You can trust God. He’s still in control.”

When evening fell, we ventured outside and found our landlord watching his daughters jump on their trampoline. I asked if my girls could join them and burn off some energy.

“Anytime,” he said, indicating an open chair. “I was just going inside.”

I sat by myself for a few minutes before his eldest daughter Jamila joined me. She talked about her morning and hearing the rockets while at school. Though in her late teens, Jamila admitted she and her friends had been frightened. Then she asked question after question about life and morals, even the trajectory of the world.

It was the first real interaction I’d had with Jamila since our family moved into the neighborhood the month before, but I tried to subtly steer the conversation to even deeper spiritual matters. I knew she would find truth and peace only in the Lord.

Eventually she dropped her chin, her whole countenance downcast after the day’s stress. “Do you think it’s over?”

I sighed, wishing I could say for sure. “I don’t know, but you can trust God. He’s still in control.”

In times of darkness the Light of the World shines brighter than ever.

She twisted her shawl as she stared at her hands. “Then why is this happening? Why do so many bad things happen?”

“I’m afraid I can’t answer that either.” I leaned in a little closer. “But God can do anything, even bring good from evil. He’s done it before, and I know He can do it again.”

We talked a while longer, and when Jamila and her sister were called inside, she went wearing a smile.

I, too, returned home grinning, glad to have a new friend, and hopeful for more spiritual conversations with Jamila and her family and opportunities to share stories of Jesus.

My prayer is for this conflict to end, but I am confident that while the chaos continues, God is at work. And I believe people will notice. In times of darkness the Light of the World shines brighter than ever.

Pray:

• Pray for Jamila and her family to come to know the hope and peace of Christ alone.
• Ask God to give Frontiers field workers opportunities to shine the light of Jesus in dark places.
• Pray that God’s peace will reign in regions of conflict and unrest.