A Devotion from Stephen Merritt

“Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the

light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye

shall lie down in sorrow.” (Isa. 50:11)

What a solemn warning to those who walk in darkness and yet who try to help themselves

out into the light. They are represented as kindling a fire, and compassing themselves with

sparks. What does this mean?

Why, it means that when we are in darkness the temptation is to find a way without

trusting in the Lord and relying upon Him. Instead of letting Him help us out, we try to help

ourselves out. We seek the light of nature, and get the advice of our friends. We try the

conclusions of our reason, and might almost be tempted to accept a way of deliverance which

would not be of God at all.

All these are fires of our own kindling; rushlights that will surely lead us onto the shoals.

And God will let us walk in the light of those sparks, but the end will be sorrow.

Beloved, do not try to get out of a dark place, except in God’s time and in God’s way. The

time of trouble is meant to teach you lessons that you sorely need.

Premature deliverance may frustrate God’s work of grace in your life. Just commit the

whole situation to Him. Be willing to abide in darkness so long as you have His presence.

Remember that it is better to walk in the dark with God than to walk alone in the light.

Cease meddling with God’s plans and will. You touch anything of His, and you mar the work.

You may move the hands of a clock to suit you, but you do not change the time; so you may

hurry the unfolding of God’s will, but you harm and do not help the work. You can open a

rosebud but you spoil the flower. Leave all to Him. Hands down. Thy will, not mine.