How can we trust God's sovereignty during our own times of darkness? The Midday Darkness at Calvary “From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.” (Matthew 27:45) Why the Father Let the Light Go Out • The same God who declared, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3) deliberately allowed a supernatural darkness to blanket the cross. • He signaled that sin’s full weight was falling on His Son (Isaiah 53:6). • The moment reminds every generation that no darkness—literal or figurative—ever happens outside God’s rule (Isaiah 45:7). Seeing Sovereignty in the Silence • During those three hours, Jesus spoke only once (Matthew 27:46). Heaven seemed silent, yet the Father was accomplishing His greatest work. • Personal application: when God appears silent, His purposes are still advancing (Habakkuk 2:3). Tracing the Pattern Through Scripture • Exodus 10:21-22—thick darkness over Egypt preceded Israel’s deliverance. God often schedules rescue on the far side of night. • Psalm 23:4—even “the valley of the shadow of death” lies inside His shepherding care. • Job 23:8-10—Job cannot perceive God in his pain, yet concludes, “When He has tried me, I will come forth as gold.” • Romans 8:28—“in all things,” including seasons of obscurity, God weaves good for those who love Him. Anchors for Personal Darkness 1. God’s character is unchanging. If He ruled the darkness at Calvary, He rules yours today (Hebrews 13:8). 2. His presence is undiminished. “Even the darkness is not dark to You” (Psalm 139:12). 3. His purpose is redemptive. Out of earth’s darkest Friday came the world’s brightest Sunday (Matthew 28:6). 4. His promise is sure. “Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Practical Ways to Lean on His Sovereignty • Rehearse truth aloud—declare verses such as 2 Corinthians 4:6. • Remember past deliverances—journaling God’s previous faithfulness bolsters present trust (Psalm 77:11-12). • Rest instead of striving—darkness invites stillness, letting God fight (Exodus 14:13-14). • Reach out to Christ’s body—fellow believers bear burdens when our hands feel too weak (Galatians 6:2). The Cross Guarantees the Outcome The noon darkness proves God can turn the bleakest scene into eternal victory. Because He ruled that hour, He rules this one. Trust settles there—beneath a sky that once went black so every believer could walk in unending light. |
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