Without darkness, there is no need for lights

I. BRETHREN IN THE LORD, today imagine a world with no darkness; you would never buy a lamp, you would never need a flashlight, and you would never appreciate the sunrise. So why did God create darkness? Why did God offer lights for us to use to walk through darkness? Today, I provoke you to understand that God did not call you out of darkness to hide. He called you to shine. Jesus made a profound statement in Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” This means there is darkness in this world, and God has positioned us as the solution to that darkness. So, beloved, without darkness there is no need for lights. And because the world is dark, God needs us to shine. Today I encourage you to reflect on what darkness stands for. How to let our light shine? We cannot disregard darkness and still want the opportunity to shine. Check things in your office, family, community, church, and country that are the replicas of darkness; it offers you an opportunity to let your light shine.

II. SON OF MAN, there are different types of darkness which we must observe and throw our lights on. A moral darkness that is characterised by confusion about truth, right and wrong. Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” We must let our light of truth stand in this moral darkness. In emotional darkness, which is associated with depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and protracted struggles, as Psalm 107:10 puts it, “Some sat in darkness, in utter gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains.” What light can we show them going through this difficult moment? There are others who are also in spiritual darkness; Ephesians 6:12 teaches us that “Our struggle is against... the powers of this dark world.” What about relational darkness which manifests through broken marriages, office politics, betrayal, and cast-down brethren? Beloved, wherever you find yourself, don’t dim your light; let it shine to help others. Yesterday, God delivered you out of this darkness; today, throw the light to those still in darkness. John 1:5 reveals, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

III. DAUGHTER OF ZION, today, remember that God did not promise to remove all darkness before sending us. He said, “Go into the darkness and shine.” Remember that in Matthew 5:14 we are charged, “You ARE the light of the world.”

Not "You should be" and not "You might be". YOU ARE. John 8:12 reveals the identity of Jesus Christ: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” Are you walking with Jesus Christ? When Christ lives in you, His light lives in you. Colossians 1:27 affirms it: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” While Ephesians 5:8 reminds us that 'for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” Beloved, we have a responsibility to be the light of this world. Yesterday, you were darkness, but now you carry the light, which is the Gospel. Let the world hear the goodness. You have goodness for this world; spread the goodness. Beloved, light has four functions, and so do we. To expose, as Ephesians 5:11 states, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” Our integrity, truth, and righteousness reveal what is wrong so people can repent. To guide, as Psalm 119:105 reveals, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” People are lost; our counsel, our life, and our direction can point them to Christ.

IV. MY BELOVED SISTERS AND DEAR BROTHERS, your light is also to give hope, as in Isaiah 9:2, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” In a hopeless world, Christians carry the hope of the resurrection. In Matthew 5:15-16 reveals, “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Beloved, we encourage it in Philippians. 2:15 “Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” When you meet brethren who are cast down, don't just say, "Be strong." Speak Scripture, speak encouragement, speak hope. Proverbs 16:24 teaches us that "gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” A healthy Christian home is a lighthouse in a neighbourhood of broken families. Let people see peace, forgiveness, and prayer in your home. This is a DIVINE NEW DAY PROPHETIC WORD of encouragement sent forth through the authority and power of Christ Jesus and delivered to the brethren through God's vessel, Francis Ameyibor. Yes! Remember that light that is hidden is useless, but light that is given away multiplies brightness and brings joy.

V. 2026 IS OUR YEAR AND SEASON TO BE LIFTED UP—A lamp cannot shine if it has no oil. Spend time in the Word, in prayer, and in worship. You don’t have to be afraid of how dark the world is. One candle can light up an entire room. One Christian living sold out can change an office, a family, or a school. Be that light today. Without darkness there is no need for lights.

PRAYER: Father, thank You for calling us out of darkness into Your marvellous light. Forgive us for hiding our light under fear, busyness, and compromise. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit. Let Christ shine through us. Use our lives, our homes, our workplaces, and our words to bring hope to a dark world. And may men see our good works and glorify You, our Father in heaven. In Jesus Christ’s name, Amen.