Outshine in a cloudy situation

Text: Isaiah 60:1-5
“Arise and shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the people; but the Lord will arise upon you” (Isaiah 60:1-2).

It is obvious that some people, including believers, are struggling to shine the glory of God in their lives. They only see what covers their glory, rather than see the ultimate power that can remove the darkness that overshadows them.

What are the principles to outshine in a cloudy situation?
• Understand the state of your environment (v2). The writer talks of darkness and gross darkness that overshadow the people. Darkness is an ugly experience of life, and it ranges from depression, incurable sickness to failures and yoke of sins, among others. If you are operating under a thick, cloudy environment, breakthrough is far from you. Lack and scarcity will overwhelm such life.

• You need a strong hand to rescue you from the thick darkness. (v2b) The Lord shall arise means that He will grant you deliverance from the powers that be.

• You ought to obey the strong voice. (Acts 3:6) A cripple was made whole because of his obedience to the strong voice. God is telling you to arise over your challenge and take control of the situation. You had heavenly backing to overcome the cloudy situation.

• Ability to understand that you are empowered to shine. Hebrews 1:3 “He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of his nature…” Jesus knows that His nature is to shine in darkness. He said, “I am the light of the world…”

• Finally, you are not inferior to others, but you need people around you to outshine. You are not made to be inferior. Similarly, you need people of the same mind and vision to outshine. Others may be covered by darkness, but you have an assurance that you will outshine them.

Daniel was not the only one in Babylonian empire, but he was ten times better than others. May you outshine the situation that has ridiculed you in Jesus name! Amen. Shallom!

Rev Dr. Emmanuel Ojo, Christ the Rock Baptist Church, Mende, Maryland. 08034538413