Category: Miracles in the Darkness

Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi singing praises to the Lord at midnight when God sent an earthquake to break them out of prison.

Read the story Acts 16:16-40

Paul and Silas in jail – Acts 16:25 “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.”
Not only was it a miracle of deliverance from prison but it was a miracle of the jailer and his family getting saved. God often uses our times of darkness not only for a miracle for us but a miracle for others as well. I believe the key to Paul and Silas’ miracle was linked to their ability to pray and sing in the midst of their darkness.

Activity:
Sing a song of praise and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness to you in spite of the darkness you may be going through. Bad things often happen in the dark. But Jesus promised, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

In these days of uncertainty we serve a God who invades the darkness with the light of His glory and the power of His presence and love. May His light shine upon you today and give you peace.

After the ascension of Jesus, persecution of the early church began to greatly increase. James, the brother of John was put to death by the sword and Peter was arrested with the intent of killing him also. But because it was the time of the Passover, Peter was placed in prison chained between two soldiers.

Read the story Acts 12:1-17

Peter in jail – Acts 12:6 “The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.”
The church was praying for Peter’s release and it was at night while Peter was sleeping that God did an unbelievable miracle. Peter didn’t even believe it himself at first. And when he went to the house where the church was praying for his release, they couldn’t believe it either.
God is ready to do the unbelievable in answer to the prayers of His people.

Activity:
Keep a prayer journal of your request of God. Mark the date of your request and then the date of the answer and how God miraculously came through for you.

Satan tried his best to extinguish the Light by having Jesus crucified. Darkness covered the land for three hours even though it was the middle of the day. Jesus was buried and for three days and nights it appeared to His disciples that all hope was gone.

Read the story Matthew 27:27-54

The Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus – Matthew 27:45 “From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.”
Jesus died in darkness, He willingly laid down His life for the forgiveness of our sin. The great miracle of redemption and His love for us to willingly bear our shame took place in the dark. Three days later, (John20:1) “Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw the stone had been removed from the entrance.” His resurrection from the dead ushered in the beginning of a new day.

No matter how dark and hopeless our circumstance may seem, God is at work in the darkness and His promise is resurrection. David wrote in Psalm 30:5 “Weeping may remain for a night but joy comes in the morning.”

Activity:
Get up early tomorrow morning and watch the sun rise over the Mesa. As the light of the sun dispel the darkness say a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for His Son rise in you.

For centuries Israel had been looking for the Messiah foretold in Isaiah 9:2 & 6. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Luke’s gospel gives an account of the fulfillment of that prophecy.

Read the story Luke 2:1-29

The birth of Jesus – Luke 2:8-11
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

Jesus, the light of the world (John 8:12) was born at night. The greatest miracle in all of history, God becoming flesh taking the form of a baby, took place in darkness. Jesus came to shatter the darkness and to reveal the glory and brightness of God’s wonderful light of truth. Those who abide in Him abide in light even though darkness may surround them. Light always triumphs over darkness.

Activity:
Sing a Christmas carol to remind yourself in your dark circumstance that the Light has come.

The disciple often found them themselves in dark uncertain and frightening situations. One such occasion was a storm on the Sea of Galilee when Jesus had stayed behind to spend time in prayer with the Father.

Read the story Matthew 14:22-33

The Disciples on the Sea of Galilee – Matthew 14:25
“During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the water.” The disciples had left Jesus on the side of a mountain to spend some time in prayer. They were crossing the Sea of Galilee heading toward the city of Gennesaret when a fierce storm threatened to sink their boat. In their moment of distress Jesus walked out on the water to them, climbed into their boat and calmed the Sea.

Even though it was dark and the disciple’s boat was a long distance away, Jesus saw them (Mark 6:48) and went to them. No matter how dark and violent our storm, Jesus sees us and comes to us in His miraculous power.

Activity:
Picture yourself in a boat in a fierce storm and all of a sudden you see a figure walking on the water towards you. What are you feeling? What are your emotions? And when the person climbs into your boat and the storm immediately goes calm, what are you thinking?
Jesus sees your storm, He miraculously walks out to you and climbs into your boat and calms the wind and the waves speaking peace to your soul. Spend some time worshiping and thanking Him for taking control of your dark circumstances.