Back on the Grid, Guided by the Light
When the power goes out, we often refer to the ensuing experience as being “off the grid” — in other words, out of touch with anything that requires electricity.
We’ve all been there, right? A storm rolls through, and high winds or persistent lightning disable the power grid, leaving us in the dark — both literally and figuratively. It is only then that we truly appreciate the power of light.
For the past four weeks, as I recovered from surgery, I have felt like I have been “off the grid.” Fortunately, I was able to connect with the church through our livestream. Even though I could not worship in person, I could certainly experience the moment, but last Sunday, I was totally out of the loop. The power in our neighborhood went out, and there was no way I could log on. Fortunately, power was restored, and I was able to see a little more than half of the service.
It’s tough to be off the grid and out of the loop. Sometimes people choose to distance themselves from the mainstream, but most of the time, it is an external factor that knocks us off the grid, like the forces of nature or a human-caused event like an accident or an act of sabotage.
Fortunately, we serve a God who is not subject to human-made power systems. As we read in the Gospel of John (8:12), Jesus proclaims, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Imagine that — a life in which darkness can be mitigated! It is true for all who believe, and not only that, but we also have the opportunity to reflect that light and lift up others who are struggling.
True, there are times when we all experience darkness, but it does not have to be debilitating. We can rise above through the light of the Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit, reminding us that through God all things are possible.