God Works in the Dark
God works in the dark, even when we can't see or understand what's happening, and His work is not limited to our understanding.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the comforting message in Exodus 14:21, highlighting how God works in the dark and unseen moments of our lives. Just as God caused the sea to go back 'all that night' for the children of Israel, He continues to work in our lives even when we cannot see or understand His ways. The darkness of the night symbolizes times of struggle, doubt, and uncertainty, but it is during these times that God is actively working to make a way for us.
Text
"The Lord caused the sea to go back...all that night" (Exod. 14:21).
In this verse there is a comforting message showing how God works in the dark. The real work of God for the children of Israel, was not when they awakened and found that they could get over the Red Sea; but it was "all that night."
So there may be a great working in your life when it all seems dark and you cannot see or trace, but yet God is working. Just as truly did He work "all that night," as all the next day. The next day simply manifested what God had done during the night. Is there anyone reading these lines who may have gotten to a place where it seems dark? You believe to see, but you are not seeing. In your life-progress there is not constant victory; the daily, undisturbed communion is not there, and all seems dark.
"The Lord caused the sea to go back...all that night." Do not forget that it was "all that night." God works all the night, until the light comes. You may not see it, but all that "night" in your life, as you believe God, He works. --C. H. P.
"All that night" the Lord was working,
Working in the tempest blast,
Working with the swelling current,
Flooding, flowing, free and fast.
"All that night" God's children waited--
Hearts, perhaps in agony
With the enemy behind them,
And, in front, the cruel sea.
"All that night" seemed blacker darkness
Than they ever saw before,
Though the light of God's own presence
Near them was, and sheltered o'er.
"All that night" that weary vigil
Passed; the day at last did break,
And they saw that God was working
"All that night" a path to make.
"All that night," O child of sorrow,
Canst thou not thy heartbreak stay?
Know thy God in darkest midnight
Works, as well as in the day.
--L. S. P.
Sermon Outline
- I. God Works in the Dark
- A. God's work is not always visible
- B. God works even when we can't see or trace
- C. God's work is not limited to our understanding
- II. The Example of the Red Sea
- A. God worked in the children of Israel's lives
- B. God's work was not limited to the visible
- C. God's work was done in the dark of night
- III. The Application to Our Lives
- A. God works in our lives even when we can't see
- B. God's work is not limited to our understanding
- C. God's work is done in the dark of night
Key Quotes
“The real work of God for the children of Israel, was not when they awakened and found that they could get over the Red Sea; but it was 'all that night.'” — Charles E. Cowman
“God works all the night, until the light comes.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Know thy God in darkest midnight Works, as well as in the day.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Trust God even when things seem dark, and remember that He is always working.
- Don't rely on your own understanding, but trust God's work, even when you can't see it.
- God's work is not limited to the visible, and He can do great things in the dark of night.