Most likely you've been there.  Hearing a noise in the dark, or having to attend to some "business" in the dark, you gingerly walk through the house without turning on the lights groping along to find your way, only to step on a toy, or stub your toe.  Perhaps you jumped up and down holding your throbbing toe which caused you to crash into a wall or coffee table, creating greater discomfort.  If you were smart, you would have turned on the light.  If you were smart, you would've already had a light on so that you could see your way through the dark.  If you were smart . . .  

 How many times have we thought that?  "If I had a been smart - I would've seen that coming. . ."  But all to many times, we don't see those "things" coming.  We take our chances and grope along in the dark, trying to find our way. . .

 Did you know that Satan is the ruler of darkness?  Of course you do - and you can prove it by going to Ephesians 6:12, and Jude 1:6!  Right?  Of course!  (Sneaky way of getting an obvious verse in the article, right?)  So what does that have to do with you?  More than you would probably like to know!

 Have you ever had times where you just can't seem to get on top of things?  People everywhere frustrated and irritated you.  The bills continue to mount up and panic begins to set in, worry consumes your thoughts as you try to find your way out of the storm.  You and your spouse seem to never agree on anything and you sometimes wish that you had never been married.  (Aw come on, now don't look at me like that - you can't tell me you haven't had your moments.)  Anger rises as you pray furiously for God to change your spouse, or your child, or that infuriating congregational member.

 Ever notice how in these times of stress and thundering emotional storms, all "hell" breaks loose?  Your car breaks down, you and your spouse can't seem to speak a civil word to each other, a rumor begins to spread and fear strikes your heart at the possibilities of a church split.

 Ever feel like Job?  Faithful, devoted to God, a righteous man.  Doing everything right - and somehow nothing seems to work.  Your enemies ridicule you and it seems as though vultures are circling above and all around you waiting to pick on your bones.  You comfort yourself by saying that God is testing your faith.  And you bravely stand tall and strong. . . .  even if you ARE a little weak in the knees.  Watching as all that you have worked for and believed for is destroyed before your very eyes.

 Did GOD really test Job?  Or did Job open a door for Satan to come in and destroy his family?  God was proud of Job - He wanted to show Job off - but when Satan demanded Job, God could do nothing but confirm the fact that Job was in Satan's hands.  How, You ask?  Well, let's look at where Job lost it - let's look at the darkness that Job allowed in his life.

 Job 3:25-26 (NKJ)

For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.  I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, for trouble comes." 

 What ever is not of faith is sin - right?  (Romans 14:23)  Where sin is, there is darkness, because there is no light, which is the presence of God.  Where there is  darkness, Satan rules.  And that place where Satan rules - is rightfully his kingdom, given to him by us.  Job gave Satan an area of his life - in other words, without realizing it, Job opened the door wide and invited Satan in.  Satan knew he had a right to Job because the darkness belongs to him.

 Could you relate to what Job was saying?  "I am not at ease, nor am I quiet: I have no rest . . ." WHERE are you saying this and why?  Restlessness, lack of peace, the fruits of the flesh - these are all signs of darkness and sin.  These are our warning signs that somebody needs to turn on the light! 

 Have you judged your spouse unrighteously? How about that member that hurt you, have you forgiven them? Are you afraid of losing control over your child and trusting God with him or her? Do you trust God at all? Sure that sounds strong, but, do you? Are you trusting Him to guide your steps and teach you to be a good steward with what He has placed in your hands? Do you trust God to change your spouse and calm your fears? Remember, what ever is not of faith is sin, and where sin is darkness rules, and where darkness rules - you give Satan permission to do as he wishes. What Satan wishes, is to steal, kill and destroy - your peace, your mind, emotions, relationships . . . and most of all, your call.

 Ask your Heavenly Father to turn on the light in your own soul.  Stop groping in the dark - Satan knows his way around in there and loves to thrown stumbling blocks in your path.  You will be amazed at how much easier and peaceful it is when God shines the light of His Word on your deepest thoughts and motives, and heals those gaping holes in your soul.  And you will be amazed at how much easier it is to see your way around!!

 ~To know whether or not you are walking in the dark, take another look at Galations 5:16-26 ~

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James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.  (NIV)

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