Still Shining

Over the past few weeks, we walked slowly and intentionally through 1st & 2nd Thessalonians, two letters rich of encouragement, correction, and clarity for believers living in confusing and difficult times. Paul reminded us what it means to stand firm in truth, to wait in hope, and to live in light of Jesus’ return.

And now? We pivot.

We’re not just continuing a Bible study, we’re going to step into something deeply intimate. We’re entering the Gospel of John. A book unlike any other. Where theology meets tenderness, puts on flesh, and steps into time.

These first few verses radiate in my chest every time I read them. John doesn’t start with a genealogy. He doesn’t start with a stable or a star. He starts with GLORY.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. - John 1:1 

This isn't poetry for poetry’s sake. It’s a thundering truth meant to reframe everything we think we know about Jesus!

John takes us all the way back, not just to creation, but before it. Before light was spoken, before the first day dawned, before anything was......Jesus is.

The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him… - v.2–3

Let that settle in for a moment....the voice that spoke galaxies into motion, that carved oceans and hung the stars, is the same voice that whispers into your soul today.

Jesus didn’t enter the story halfway through.

He authored it.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. -John 1:4–5

There are some verses that feel like a warm blanket. These… feel like a spotlight. Like God Himself stepping onto a darkened stage and flipping the switch.

We don’t need to wonder whether the light will show up.

It already has.

And it’s still shining.

Right in the middle of a broken world.
Right in the middle of your weary heart.
Right in the middle of the midnight hours, when you wonder if you're seen.

Maybe you’ve had to smile through pain this week?

Maybe you’re doing all the right things, but your heart still feels heavy?

Maybe you're tired of pretending you're okay?

Maybe you're surrounded by people but still feel unseen?

Maybe you've stopped expecting joy and have started settling for just making it through?  
  

I don't know what you're facing, but God knows! 

Jesus doesn’t wait for you to claw your way out of the dark.

He steps into it WITH you.
And more than that.....He outshines it!

The darkness didn’t understand Him.

It couldn’t overpower Him.

It still can’t.

Friend, if you are tired, please pause and let this speak to you.  Consider these gentle questions and then bring them to God and lay them at His feet. 

• What kind of darkness have you been carrying lately?

• What would it look like to stop striving and simply invite Jesus, the Light, into it?

• What truth about Jesus in these verses quiets your anxious thoughts today?