Following God into the Light - First15 - November 10

Weekly Overview:

We live in the reality that there is both light and darkness around us at all times. This world has both good and evil, right and wrong. As believers we must grow in both our acceptance of this reality and our pursuit of the light. We must allow God to mold and shape us into those who rid ourselves of any darkness, become fully known to God, and allow his light to transform us into reflections of his Son. May the Lord open our eyes to see the glorious light before us this week.

Scripture:“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

Devotional:

The Holy Spirit dwelling within is always leading us out of darkness and into the light. He is ready and available to guide us through every decision, temptation, trial, tribulation, and circumstance that we might experience all the abundance available to us in his light.

God promises us in Isaiah 42:16, “And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” You serve a loving, good Father who doesn’t leave you to figure out life on your own. He doesn’t even leave you just with Scripture to find your way into the light. He knows that we are blind without him. He knows that we are in immense need of his help. And he is constantly leading us into the better things he has for us.

1 Corinthians 10:13 encourages us that, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” With every temptation the enemy brings, God is leading us in a great escape. You and I so often don’t know the way out of temptation. It feels impossible to find the path to righteousness when all we feel is wrongful desire welling up within us. But if we will acknowledge that we are indeed blind and reach out our arms for the guiding hand of God, he “will turn the darkness before [us] into light” (Isaiah 42:16). He is our faithful Shepherd to the abundant pastures available to us on the other side of temptation.

Hebrews 2:18 says, “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Our God is compassionate because he has felt the temptations we feel. He has walked through this life and lived in the light. You are not alone in your sin. You are not alone in your temptations. You are not alone in the trials, decisions, and circumstances that seem to draw you into darkness. Your Savior has compassion on you and longs for you to simply lean on his strength, trust him, and follow him.

“He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). You will overcome your enemy if you reach out for the help of God. He will lead you away from the sin that entangles you and direct you to his perfect, peaceful paths of righteousness. Have faith in the love and ability of your God and follow him throughout your day to the still, calm waters of his presence.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire and ability to lead you into the light. Allow Scripture to stir up your faith to follow God in the midst of trials, circumstances, and temptations.

“And I will lead the blind in a way that they do not know, in paths that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do, and I do not forsake them.” Isaiah 42:16

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

2. What temptations seem to envelop you where you feel no way out? What wrongful desires do you not seem to be able to get rid of?

3. Ask God how he is leading you away from those temptations. Ask him to help you reach for his help in the midst of darkness that you might follow him to the light. Take time to reflect on and journal the ways in which he will lead you to the light.

“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18

May Psalm 23:1-6 fill your heart with a longing for close, open relationship with your good Shepherd today as you seek to live in the light:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Extended Reading: Hebrews 2

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