Moving Towards Daybreak
God's difficult times are not the end result, but rather a means to get us to a better place, where we can experience the fullness of His presence and power.
John Henry Jowett preaches about how God's darkness and tunnels are not His ultimate destinations for us, but rather means to lead us to His light and glory. Just like being in a subway tunnel or a dark country tunnel, we are always in motion towards the open country of God's grace and beauty. God guides us delicately or firmly, always moving us towards His light, even through the darkest valleys. Therefore, we are encouraged to be patient, knowing that the darkness is not our final destination, but a passage to the liberty and glory of being children of God.
Text
"_He hath brought me into darkness, but not into light._"
--LAMENTATIONS iii. 1-9.
But a man may be in darkness, and yet in motion toward the light. I was in
the darkness of the subway, and it was close and oppressive, but I was
moving toward the light and fragrance of the open country. I entered into
a tunnel in the Black Country in England, but the motion was continued,
and we emerged amid fields of loveliness. And therefore the great thing to
remember is that God's darknesses are not His goals; His tunnels are means
to get somewhere else. Yes, His darknesses are appointed ways to His
light. In God's keeping we are always moving, and we are moving towards
Emmanuel's land, where the sun shines, and the birds sing night and day.
There is no stagnancy for the God-directed soul. He is ever guiding us,
sometimes with the delicacy of a glance, sometimes with the firmer
ministry of a grip, and He moves with us always, even through "the valley
of the shadow of death." Therefore, be patient, my soul! The darkness is
not thy bourn, the tunnel is not thy abiding home! He will bring thee out
into a large place where thou shalt know "the liberty of the glory of the
children of God."
Sermon Outline
- God's Darknesses Are Not His Goals
- The God-Directed Soul Is Always Moving
- Patience and Trust in God's Plan
- Darkness is not the final destination
- God will bring us out into a place of liberty and glory
Key Quotes
“He hath brought me into darkness, but not into light.” — John Henry Jowett
“His darknesses are appointed ways to His light.” — John Henry Jowett
“He will bring thee out into a large place where thou shalt know 'the liberty of the glory of the children of God.'” — John Henry Jowett
Application Points
- Be patient and trust in God's plan, even when facing difficult times.
- Remember that God's darknesses are not His goals, but rather a means to get us to a better place.
- Trust that God will bring you out into a place of liberty and glory, where you can experience the fullness of His presence and power.