Staying Faithful in Dark Times

God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. (Gen. 1:5)

Grim night

Here we are, in the middle of year 2025, witnessing an upheaval of sorts in world affairs, downturn of economic growth, sliding in of country-specific sanctions and springing up of war zones, casualties, calamities and “natural” disaster!

The words of Jesus ring out in John 9:4-5: “While it is still day, we must do the works of the One who sent Me. Night is coming. Then no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Hope against hope

There is hope only as long as there is light in this world. Jesus had spoken these words just after giving sight to a blind man – a man who was born blind. In the same way, as we see the light, walk in the light, we are filled with hope.

Have faith and belief in God’s promises even when circumstances seem hopeless. Cling to hope based on God’s faithfulness, even when human reason suggests otherwise. (Romans 4:18, describes Abraham believed “against hope”)

• Hope Precedes Faith: Hope (Look up the stars – gazing into the night and yet see the light) is the foundation upon which faith is built.
• God’s Promises: The concept centers on trusting in God’s promises despite negative circumstances.
• Abraham as an Example: Abraham’s story in Romans 4 is a key example. He believed he would be the father of many nations despite being very old and his wife being past childbearing age.
• Not Blind Optimism: It’s not about ignoring reality, but rather, recognizing that God’s power and faithfulness can supersede natural limitations and impossibilities.

If you have believed in Jesus, you have this light (hope) in you.

You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. So let your good deeds (light) shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matt. 5:14, 16)