He had spent his life serving, at least the last 30 years of it anyway. Few would continue in such a role for that long, especially as a volunteer. Yet, he did. He served faithfully. Not because of what he could get out of it, but for what he could give. He was investing in future generations.
Sadly, one of those he served failed him. More specifically, the poor choice of one individual and that one choice brought the entire network down. All it took was one choice, one bad decision, one course of action lasting minutes at most to destroy what countless others had spent decades building.
The deed of destruction, carried out by one, resulted in ripples across multiple states. The power of one dark deed was astounding, destructive, heartbreaking.
In the days that followed, intense prayers were offered. Counsel was sought. Conversations and deliberations were held at the highest levels. But still, the power of one prevailed. One deed. One individual. One short moment in time changed everything.
It was a sad day, a day to regret, a day we wish we could forget. But the ripples linger, reaching in ever widening rings, engulfing everything in their path. All because of the power of one. One dark deed. That’s all it took.
Yet where is the hope? How can this be overcome? Where is the remedy, the resolve?
Consider: Light overcomes darkness. Darkness is pushed back by light (2 Samuel 22:29). And Jesus said:
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 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 men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 niv
One dark deed left a far-reaching path of devastation in its wake. How much farther might your one act of light reach, displacing the darkness? What might the power of one light-giving deed have on the world around you? Perhaps it would spark a potential flame in someone near you who will serve others for 30, 40, 50 or more years.
“ … it is the candle of the night that changes the world. The candle that shines in the daylight can hardly be seen. But the candle that shines in the darkness can be seen miles away. It is at the very time when it’s hardest to shine the light, that it is most crucial that you do. It is then that the light is most needed. And that is when the light becomes its most powerful. So never fear the darkness. You’re a light. Shine into it, especially into the night … and you’ll light up the world.” –Jonathan Cahn / The Book of Mysteries
Let us be challenged by the words of the children’s song:
This little light of mine – I’m gonna let it shine … Let it shine, let it shine … let it shine …
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