
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it,”
John 1:5 (NLT)
“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all,” 1 John 1:5 (NLT).
It’s no secret that we live in a dark and troubled world. As the light of Jesus’ love shines into that world, the desire for that light increases. One of the most encouraging truths in these challenging times is the fact that, as Scripture says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it,” John 1:5 (NLT). Friend, there is nothing—no tragedy, trial or disappointment—that could ever cause the Light of the Lord to waiver.
One of our ministry friends shared the following story with us about one international student who served as a guiding light for another student after they became roommates here in the United States. Our friend writes,
“I was blessed to be invited to the baptism of a Chinese student, Julie. I thought about how God had orchestrated her life to bring her to this point. Julie had gone on some trips and met Mary. When Julie moved out of her place, Mary was looking for a roommate. Julie moved in with Mary, and they were able to help each other out. Julie was an atheist, but Mary was a believer who read her Bible and prayed every night. Julie was having difficulties in her life, but she could see that when Mary prayed for her, God guided the results. So, soon Julie joined Mary in her prayers and Bible reading. Julie shared that when she was a child, she’d go to the Buddhist Temple with her grandmother, but she did not feel that she was worshipping the true God. ‘I never saw love on those faces,’ she said. ‘I had some problems, and when my roommate prayed to God, I knew He was watching over me. Even when I applied to graduate school, I encountered difficulties, but once again, when my roommate prayed, I felt peace and the difficulties were resolved. I realized only Jesus, and praying to Him, could release my sins. So, I wanted to become a child of God.’ Julie shared her news with her parents and found them to be supportive. She even found that her mother wanted to learn more about the Christian faith. And so, God’s saving grace will continue to multiply!”
Never give up on someone whose heart appears to be hardened or cold to the message of salvation. Keep on praying and living out God’s love and grace. Be a lighthouse and show the way for those who are lost in the darkness! Days, months or years may go by, but God sees and hears. You may, one day, witness the fruits of your labor!
For More Information
Learn how to be a light in the life of an international student.
http://www.isionline.org/GetInvolved.aspx