This past Sunday at church, several people shared video statements about being part of a small group. [Link below.]

A small group is where people get together to study God’s teachings in the Bible, to discuss and learn, to get to know one another, and to pray.

I am so thankful that they took the time to share their experiences!

Let me explain a benefit of spending devotional time with others, perhaps from an angle you haven’t thought of before. It has to do with “borrowing light.” Let me explain.

There are times when, for whatever reason, we feel cut off from God. The flame of faith feels as if it has fizzled. In these times, Francis Rous says that the light of other believers can help: 

“when the soul is in the dark, and her own light shines not, she may do well to get a guide, and to take heed to borrowed light, until the day dawn and the day-star arise in her own heart.”*

In John 8:12 Jesus said: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” He is our ultimate light source. And to me, it is infinitely encouraging that when we feel like we’re stumbling around in the dark, his light never fails to find us, and often does so through the light we can “borrow” from those who aren’t walking through the same valley that we are.

Jesus is the light of the world. It and he cannot be snuffed. It will always find a way to ignite the hearts of those who love him—in you, through you, and sometimes, through someone else.

Learn from other disciples. After all, you’re not the only one God is using.

Take heed to borrowed light, until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your own heart.

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Notes:

–If you’d like to watch these small group videos, click here.

–*Francis Rous, “The Mystical Marriage,” in Treatises and Meditations (London: Robert White, 1657), 702.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.