“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from Above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17).
This verse becomes more wonderful when we realize it is given to us in the context of enduring trials. Can we step back, look over our hardships, and see the good things that have happened also? That person who came to help you in your time of need – Who sent them? That unexplained peace, energy, or wisdom – Who sent it? That amazing coincidence – was it really undesigned?
“Father of Lights” is a wonderful name for our God. Our world was once blanketed in darkness until Jesus said, “Let there be light: and there was light.” Think how many different types of lights God has given us in our physical world to combat the darkness – daylight, sun, moon, stars, lamplight, firelight, candlelight, electricity, and even plants and animals that glow.
But when Jesus entered the world as the Sun of Righteousness, He came as a spiritual Light of Love, Truth, and Hope. He has… “called us out of darkness into His marvelous light” by the Gospel. His Word is a “lamp to our feet and a light to our path.” And He assures us… “I am the Light of the world: the one who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of Life” (John 8:12).
As those who walk in the Light, we have a vital life-saving mission… “You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord: walk as children of Light.” For even in our trials, the Father of Lights will bestow His gifts of grace so that we can shine as “stars in the night,” drawing others to Him.
May the Father of Lights help you to see a higher purpose in your trials, and that sometimes God may lead us through a dark valley to be the beacon leading someone else to eternal safety.
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