2 Corinthians 4
Do you know someone in need of salvation? In 2 Corinthians 4:4 we see that Satan blinds people from seeing the truth about Jesus. We have authority over the enemy as representatives of Christ and in His name. We can tell him to stop deceiving the people we love, then pray that God will reveal the light of His salvation to them.
Verse 6 says, “For God Who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).
Paul compares the creation of the world, “Let there be light” to His recreation of the human heart, calling light into our personal darkness. As He shines that light, we see the majesty and glory of God. Paul mentions looking into the face of Christ, meaning we see Jesus up close and personal. When the Jew referred to the face (also mentioned in chapter 3), the idea was intimacy and nearness. To see the face was to see expression, emotion, and beauty. When someone had favor, the Jews used the term “light of countenance,” meaning to smile upon. God is not a distant, angry God. He’s near. He’s a loving God, He enjoys extending mercy, and He initiates revelation and understanding with a light that pierces the darkness of deception. Keep seeking Him for more and more revelation of the wonders of His person. Never give up fighting for your lost loved one. God is willing, and God is able to shine into their darkness!
Proverbs 21-22
We do our part, and God will do His part! We can prepare ourselves and make our plans ready, but to experience His goodness and make God known, we need to lean on Him and His grace. Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance and victory are of the Lord.” Whether we are looking to overcome a challenge, do well in our career, accomplish ministry, build a family, or any other endeavor, we need to make room for God. The opposite of faith is self-sufficiency. If all we do is lean on our ability, resources, and understanding, we aren’t living by faith. We need to pray and ask God what He wants to do, and rely on His strength, His provision, and His wisdom.
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