The light of God does not come first to change the world around you, but to illuminate the world within you.
People often seek answers outside themselves, yet the first work of grace is to kindle the lamp of the heart. When the mind is enlightened by truth, it begins to see people, trials, and blessings differently. Circumstances do not always change; the vision of the soul does.
Sin darkens the mind not only through the evil it commits, but also through the falsehood it brings. It persuades a person that he can live without God, find peace without repentance, and love without sacrifice. Grace dispels this darkness not by force, but by truth.
Do not pray only for what is around you to change. Pray that God may grant you an enlightened heart. Such a heart will see an opportunity for humility where it once saw an insult, an opportunity for prayer where it once saw only affliction, and an opportunity for love where it once saw only enemies.
The one who walks in the light of Christ is not spared from trials, but no longer wanders in darkness. The Lord’s light does not always remove the difficult path; it makes the path sure.
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
