Let there be light.

I don't know about you, but lately I've been noticing so much darkness in the world.  It's been one thing after another; death, brokenness, families falling apart and so much hatred.
It has just been too much for me to deal with.

I've been noticing more and more that life as a Christian is hard. Not only are we called to be in check with our spiritual beings, but we are also called to care for everyone else's as well. In this world, especially right now, Christianity is becoming one of the most persecuted religions. As everything is moving further and further away from Jesus, its getting harder and harder to live in the world around us. There are so many passages in the bible that apply for this darkness that seems to never get brighter.
John 15:18-19 "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of it's own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. " 
We are called to live above the world, not in it. It would be so much easier to give up and compromise our lives to not have such a hard time, but whats worth gaining if you lose your soul? (Mark 8:36)

Stand firm.

As Christians we aren't perfect. We suffer from the same temptations and downfalls as every other human being. The truth is we are ALL so broken and so messed up. The only difference between Christians and the world is that as Christians, we realize we can't do this on our own. I am so weak, crazy and I have the worst attitude sometimes, but thank God for His son, Jesus. I don't trust my human self one bit. I don't trust my judgement, attitude, thoughts or well-being without Jesus. I'm merely a vessel that He controls and I promise you that because of this lifestyle I have chosen, life is easier.

Stay strong.

The point to all of this is that we aren't guaranteed joy and happiness all the time, there will be storms and darkness, but when you're walking hand in hand with the One who paid it all, how can you not get through it?
"How can you know where you stand in Christ if no one around you has a lamp?"

Christianity is a lifestyle. It is not a phase, on Sundays or something you'll try out when life gets too much to handle. It is you giving up your life so that He can live in you. It is an honor for me to say that letting Jesus control every single aspect of my life is the best thing that has ever happened to me. ALL glory to Him.

Let our light shine in the darkness.

"No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly father." -Matthew 5:15-16