He is our LIGHT. {Gage Miers}

A young couple in our church, Gage and Ashlee, tell their stories in the next two readings.

True chaos was introduced into my life when my wife and I began trying to get pregnant. We were presented with many obstacles regarding infertility and were given different avenues to get pregnant. This began the string of miscarriages that were unexplained up to that point. While we were enduring these miscarriages, my wife's grandfather passed away in a horrific accident. My wife found her grandfather after the accident happened, and we have been dealing with that trauma ever since.

This chaos led to a definite strain on my relationship with my wife. The stress of fertility clinic appointments, the bills that come with those, and the heartbreak of losing a child more times than I care to count built up. Emotionally, this took a toll on both of us. We sought comfort in what we knew and that was sports and the community around sports. We grew close to the coaches I work with and leaned on them to help guide us day to day, as well as our church family and connect group peers.

In the moment, God felt far. Not far in the sense that He abandoned us or forgot us. But far in the sense that I let my emotions and the chaos in life become bigger than God. I felt darkness begin to creep into my thoughts and actions. At church every Sunday, I felt a movement. Slowly, I began to feel God take away the darkness and fill me with light. I could feel myself needing to answer the call to be a light to others who are also struggling. My pain was not the only pain, and God wanted me to heal by healing others. I began to see my life change back to normal the more I began seeking to help others or when I was presented with an opportunity to help others and put their needs first. I could feel myself allowing others to fill me with light, including my wife. Our relationship became stronger than ever, our love deeper and our faith grew exponentially.

From this particular experience, I have learned that this world is full of darkness. But God can, will, and does remove the darkness with His love. It's unconditional, it's unwavering, and it is overwhelming with goodness. I learned to let God handle the details of things and I do my job: Love. Love my work. Love my friends. Love my family. Love my wife. Love my situation in life. I'm not saying I am perfect obviously, and I still get stressed and overwhelmed. But, I am much quicker to lean on God and His Word for comfort. I seek like-minded people to help me navigate the hard times and the good times. And my relationship with my wife is better than ever. So, from the darkness and the chaos comes the light.

Through this, I would say to anyone that is dealing with chaos, let God handle the details. That is easier said than done, I know. But even the tiniest mustard seed of faith can move mountains, and I can personally verify the validity of this statement. Be strong stewards and seek God first. Your marriage will become more of a reflection of Christ, and your life will begin to shine an overwhelming light that others will want to know. Then, you can begin to share the Good News and be the light for others like Jesus has been and forever will be for me.

He is our LIGHT.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

Throughout life, we find ourselves navigating through storms and darkness. The trials and tribulations we face can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost and hopeless. But in the middle of the storm, we have a beacon of hope that shines brightly, guiding us through the darkest of times. That beacon is Jesus Christ, our Savior, who is the light that never fades.

The Scriptures remind us time and again that He is our light in the storm. In Psalm 27:1, David proclaims, "The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" When we feel surrounded by darkness, we can take comfort in knowing that the Lord is with us, illuminating our path and offering protection.

Not only does Jesus bring light to our storms, but He also shines brilliantly in the midst of our darkest moments. In John 8:12, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." Even when we are overwhelmed by despair, the light of Christ pierces through, providing us with hope, peace, and joy that surpasses all understanding.

It is in the darkness that the light shines brightest. In Matthew 5:14, Jesus tells His disciples, "You are the light of the world." As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His light on those around us. When we face trials, our faith shines as a testament to the power and presence of God in our lives. Through our actions, words, and love, we can bring hope to those who are lost and be a source of encouragement to those in despair.

No matter what storm you are facing today, remember that the light of Christ shines eternally. Hold onto His promises and seek His guidance. Trust that He will lead you through the darkness and provide a way when it seems impossible. May His light illuminate your path, give you strength, and bring you peace.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being our light in the storm. Help us to trust in Your presence and power, even when we cannot see the way ahead. Fill us with Your light so that we may shine brightly in the darkness, reflecting Your love and hope to those around us. Guide us through the trials we face, knowing that You are always with us. In Jesus' name, amen.