In Branson’s Marvel Cave, and many other caves around the world, there is a point at which the tour guide stops and asks everyone to remain perfectly still, and turns off the lights. If you have ever been on such a tour, you know that the darkness envelopes you. It is so thick and impenetrable that it weighs upon you like a shroud. 

A few moments later, the guide turns on an insignificant, old fashioned penlight. At that point, one can here multiple sighs of relief, for in a world of utter darkness, the smallest of lights can point the way. 

Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. 

         – Matthew 5:16

At different points in the Gospel, Jesus says that He is the light (John 8:12), and He says that you and I are the light (Matthew 5:14-16). Both are true statements. When I look back on the state of my mind when I lived in sin, I realize now that there was no light in me. Had God not been merciful, I would have perished and spent eternity cast into utter darkness, in torment, drowning in endless fire. He showed me the Light, and – praise God – I followed that Light. 

Now that He lives in me, His light shines through me (no credit to me). My prayer is that those around me may also see the light. I pray that everyone from my family to complete strangers may see something of Jesus in me, something that will compel them to follow the Light of Jesus Christ. 

I was a fool to wander and stay

Straight is the gate and narrow’s the way

Now I have traded the wrong for the right

Praise the Lord, I Saw the Light. 

                    – Hank Williams