Called out of Darkness

Throughout life, we will all experience moments of uncertainty and times of depression. Unfortunately, the emotions that accompany those feelings hover around us like a dark, dense fog. We may know what we want or need to do, but often, we become too overwhelmed to respond. We allow that feeling of “I can’t” to take hold, and we feel trapped in a prison of darkness.

My late mentor and dear friend, Rick Beam, often discussed the realities of life such as this. One of his shared lessons has been an excellent antidote to the prison sentence of hopelessness we may pronounce upon ourselves. Rick often said, “Where we can’t, God can. God provides for those who can’t.”

I often meditate on those words, especially when preparing for the Passover and Days of Unleavened Bread. Those simple words perfectly capture the incredible sacrifice and effort of what God does for those who cannot do for themselves, those held captive under the grip of sin and death (Romans 5:1-5).

As the Passover (Exodus 12:2-14), Night to Be Much Observed (Exodus 12:40-42) and the Days of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:14-20) approach, they should serve as powerful reminders of God’s active involvement in our lives. This reality is hope; it’s the motivation we need to respond and come out of that dark prison sentence we find ourselves in occasionally.

When I think about Rick’s words and the miracle it took to bring us out of this world, I am reminded of the story of Helen Keller. At the very young age of just 19 months old, little Helen Keller suffered from an illness that left her deaf and blind. Where once an active child ran free, exploring the wonderful world around her, a lonely child sat in complete darkness and silence, separated from the world she once knew. It’s almost impossible to truly comprehend the pain, the suffering, as well as the fear this young girl must have experienced being trapped within the bounds of her mind. This heartbreaking reality would continue until she was around 6 years old.

Although her early years were bleak, this brave young girl eventually embarked on a journey to emerge from that dark and silent world. That journey was made possible by a beacon of hope: a patient and loving teacher named Anne Sullivan.

That love and patience of Anne Sullivan would prove to be a vital aspect of this journey for both herself and Helen. Salvation from the prison that had enslaved Helen Keller for most of her young life didn’t occur instantly; it was a long and hard-fought battle. But that battle would not overtake her; that battle would define her.

In her memoirs, Helen Keller would later describe that moment when she finally recognized that call to come out of the darkness, a line of communication that would change her life forever. Helen Keller wrote, “Someone was drawing water, and my teacher placed my hand under the spout. As the cool stream gushed over one hand, she spelled into the other the word water, first slowly, then rapidly. I stood still, my whole attention fixed upon the motions of her fingers. Suddenly, I felt a misty consciousness as if something forgotten—a thrill of returning thoughts, and somehow, the mystery of language was revealed to me.”

You see, it was the act of someone’s loving and diligent efforts that resulted in the ability to reach into the darkest of all prisons and break the powers that held this child captive. This breakthrough in Helen Keller’s life came about because someone was willing to reveal themselves to her in a way that others had refused to even attempt or failed to endure the sacrifice required to reach her.

Because of Anne Sullivan’s commitment and sacrificial effort, young Helen Keller experienced an inflection point in her life. This moment began an incredible journey during which Helen would finally be reunited with a world she had lost. This is truly an awe-inspiring story that changed lives, not just for Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan but also for the many lives she touched.

What a powerful example to remind us of the sacrifice made on our behalf so that we, too, could experience an inflection moment, a change that would affect our lives for all eternity. When we consider the meaning and purpose of the upcoming festival season, it becomes clear that without a loving and compassionate Father’s desire to reveal Himself to us and a Lord and Savior willing to do what was necessary to make it all possible, we would remain alone in the dark, with no hope (1 Peter 2:9-10)!

The Passover ceremony draws our attention to the foundation of God’s plan of salvation. Innocent blood was spilled so that we may live. God acted first on our behalf, those held captive without any hope of release. As we commemorate this precious ceremony, we’re reminded of the most incredible display of love that both the Father and Jesus Christ have shown us and all of mankind (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:1-11).

However, being freed from captivity and taking those initial steps are just the beginning. The Night to Be Much Observed and the Days of Unleavened Bread show that we, as the people of God, have a great responsibility to undertake as we embark on the lifelong goal of leaving behind that darkness and the bondage mindset that has imprisoned us. We must now allow what has been revealed to us to become ingrained in who we are. 

Thankfully, the Night to be Much Observed encourages us that we are not alone. God is not only providing a way out of this captivity; He’s also leading us and keeping a vigilant watch over us as we depart. In fact, one of the names given for God in the Old Testament is “El Roi,” meaning “You Are the God Who Sees” (Genesis 16:13). What a comfort we have knowing that we serve a God who keeps watch over His creation and especially His people (Job 34:21; 36:7; Psalm 33:18; Proverbs 15:3; 2 Chronicles 16:9).

Consider the instructions for observing the Days of Unleavened Bread. Through simple physical actions, God reveals powerful spiritual lessons to His people. These principles keep us focused on Him as we walk out of the confines of this evil world. He knows how the carnal mind works and how to change our habits and thought patterns effectively.

Removing and avoiding leaven for seven days may seem simple, but the spiritual intent reveals the intricacies of God’s masterful plan of salvation. We’re not just to remove the leavening, which represents sin; we’re replacing it with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, which represents putting Christ into our lives (1 Corinthians 5:6-8). This means that we observe what’s around us and consider what’s influencing us. What a blessing to know that our merciful God has revealed to us the truth and given us His Spirit so that we can have eyes to see, ears to hear and hearts that can comprehend what He has prepared for us (1 Corinthians 2:1-16).

As the anticipation of the upcoming festival season awakens our senses, let’s take the time to consider what God has done, is doing and will fulfill in our lives. Yes, it has been a long and hard-fought battle, and our enemy is still attacking. However, because Someone was willing to sacrifice and reach into that prison of darkness, that battle has not overtaken us; that battle is defining us. We’re not without hope; we are a people who have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3-9).