Summary
Highlights
Dr. Stanley introduces the difficult times in life that everyone experiences, such as financial burdens, broken marriages, grief, job loss, and ill health. He emphasizes that while we may not understand why these times occur, God provides principles to navigate them.
Dr. Stanley differentiates between walking *through* dark times and walking *in* darkness (sin). He clarifies that believers may experience hardship, but they are not defined by a sinful lifestyle.
Dr. Stanley uses Joseph from the book of Genesis as an example of someone who walked through a long period of darkness. He recounts Joseph's story: his brothers' hatred, being sold into slavery in Egypt, falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, and imprisonment.
The first principle is that God is with us in our dark times. Dr. Stanley illustrates this by highlighting how God was with Joseph even when his brothers were going to kill him, and when he was in Potiphar's household and in prison. He references Hebrews 13:5 and Psalm 139 to reinforce God's constant presence.
The second principle is that God has a purpose for allowing dark times in our lives. He explains how Joseph's suffering prepared him for a place of service, acting as a savior to his family and Egypt. What appears to be evil can be an act of salvation in God's eyes.
The darkness lasts as long as necessary for God to accomplish His purpose. If we could see the future and what God is doing, we'd understand the purpose behind the darkness. Joseph had to learn customs, language and learn to be an administrator.
We learn more in the dark than in the light. Joseph learned an appreciation for his family, the importance of his faith and devotion to God and confirmed he was gifted in administrative skills. The best example of this being tested was his refusal to Potiphar's wife.
Even in the dark times, we are walking toward the light. This is only possible if you remain focused on God and trust in Him. It is important to follow the path he sends as He will only show you one step at a time.
Dr Stanley emphasizes sharing what you learn in the darkness, by being sensitive and able to help those that seek it. Because God wants to use you to help others who are walking through darkness if you trust and focus on Him.
God's word will turn moments of darkness into radiant light if you simply read it. Trust Him to be who He is; He'll turn your darkness into light.