Dark nights happen to those followers who earnestly seek more of Christ. God doesn’t typically test those who are completely content with status quo. He actively works in the lives and hearts of those want to grow deeper in their relationship. I distinctly remember my prayer just before going into the dark nights. I was listening to “Bring It On” by Steven Curtis Chapman and I prayed, “Lord, there has to be more than this. I have no idea what that means or what it looks like or what I need to do in order to have more of You. But, bring it on….”
Had I known how hard the next seven years were going to be, I STILL would have prayed that prayer.
You may think that sounds crazy, yet it makes perfect sense in God’s logic. Anyone who goes through the dark nights gets back more than they give. Here are just a few things I’ve received from God through my dark night season:
“For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25
“Since ancient times no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.” Isaiah 64:4
“He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings deep shadows into the light.” Job 12:22
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20
I say “Bring it on!”