[reprinted from January 10, 2012]
Jody’s note 9/11/13: Remembering all those who died on September 11, 2001 and all those who continue to walk on, keeping their candle lit.
There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one small candle.
These words were found inscribed on a small headstone after a devastating air raid in Great Britain during World War II. Can you picture sitting at your kitchen table with a small candle giving the only light? Maybe there is a power outage. Now think of that candle symbolizing faith. What does that small light of faith mean to you?
“If that’s how God clothes the grass, which is in the field today and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, how much more will He do for you—you of little faith?†Luke 12:28 (HCSB)
The knowledge that Jesus knows me is both disconcerting and very comforting. He knows how much faith I have. He knows the weakness of me when I try to stand alone. Jesus’ words here tell me that the blessings that God pours out on me, wraps around me, and infuses into me is not based on the amount of my faith. I do not give to my little granddaughter based on her love or faith in me. The love that fills my heart for my grandson is not based on his love for me. How much more does my Father in heaven pour out on me because of His great love for me? My ‘candle’ of faith may be small but God sees it.
“But I can promise you this. If you had faith no larger than a mustard seed, you could tell this mountain to move from here to there. And it would. Everything would be possible for you.†Matthew 17:20 (CEV)
My ‘candle’ of faith may be small but it does give light. Jesus says that this tiny light can illuminate great truth. The amount of my faith during the illness and death of my young son was pretty small. I was a nurse and had a lot of “knowledge†about cancer. I knew the percentages. I told God that those numbers were going to be an ongoing battle for me. I needed help. I clung to His promise that with Him all things were possible (Matthew 19:26). I actually bought a box of mustard seeds so I could see how small they were. They are not much bigger than a period on this page. I knew I had that much faith. God took that faith and walked me through the victory. He is so faithful!
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NLT)
It is important that I realize that there are going to be “winds†from all directions who will try to “blow out†my candle of faith. I shouldn’t expect the obvious hurricanes that come from easily identified shysters who promote their self-help for their own pockets. No, these people will stand in pulpits and promote their own good news that God is there to bring them prosperity not to help the poor and widows and orphans but to raise themselves up. It is so important to build my candle of faith with “good wax†that will burn well, not smoke and fade out.
I believe one of the primary ways a candle of faith can be sabotaged is through isolation. It is so important that we keep connected through daily time with Jesus and time with fellow disciples who are to encourage and build each other up. I know from experience that it isn’t easy to find a group to study and pray with but if we ask God, He is faithful to answer. You may think your candle is small and insignificant. But in God’s Kingdom that light from your candle of faith may be the very light that helps to lead someone to meet Jesus. Ask Him to lead you to a small group that will keep your candle trimmed and burning.
Go Rest High on that Mountain written & sung by Vince Gill
