1. Walking Through The Darkness

2. Everyone experiences times of great difficulties in life We often refer to these trials as times of darkness or as David expressed it in Psalms, “walking through the valley”

3. “I Am The Light Of The World” Jesus said, “He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness…” “The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

4. Promises of God “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10 “Call unto me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know…” Jeremiah 33:3.

5. Noah Lived in an ungodly society Built a huge ark on a high place There was no water to float it Endured cruel mockeries He spent 120 years just trusting God

6. Abraham Obeyed God’s command to leave home Searched for a city made by God God promised him a son Twenty-four years later he hadn’t seen the city and he did not have the son. Abraham walked in darkness... with God

7. Joseph Hated by his older brothers They plotted to kill him Instead, sold him as a slave to Egypt He refused an evil woman. She lied Innocent, he was put into prison God was with him in his darkness

8. Moses As a baby was miraculously saved Grew up a son of Pharaoh's daughter Rejected by his own people Lived in exile as a fugitive in desert For forty years God walked with him through the darkness

9. Naomi Moved to Moab with husband and two sons because of a famine in the land Two sons married Moabite women Her husband died, then each of her sons Returns to Bethlehem with Ruth She had walked in darkness

10. David Chosen by God to replace King Saul King Saul hated him and sought to kill him David had to hide in the desert, in caves He lived as a fugitive in the wilderness He was in exile with the Philistines He walked in darkness, …with God

11. Daniel A young Jewish boy when Jerusalem fell Captured and carried to a strange country A prisoner, he was trained in the culture of the Babylonians Cast into the lions den because of his faith in God, he walked through the darkness

12. Jeremiah Prophet of God, yet no one believed him “Don’t make an alliance with Egypt” Israel made an alliance with Egypt “Don’t rebel against Babylon” Israel rebelled against Babylon Whatever God said, Israel did just the opposite. He walked in darkness.

13. Job Lost all of his livestock His servants and all his children killed He lost his wealth, then his health His friends, and his wife rebuked him Job walk through thickest darkness man has ever walked through

14. Others Who Walked in Darkness Rachel Hannah Israelites in Egypt Phoenician woman Paul John

15. Four Steps To Victory 1. Accept God’s Pardon 2. Acknowledge God’s Providence 3. Assent to God’s Prerogative 4. Appropriate God’s Provision

16. Accept God’s Pardon Isaiah 55:6,7 “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts: Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him and to our God for He will abundantly pardon.”

17. Acknowledge God’s Providence God had a purpose for every one of the Bible characters mentioned Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Naomi, David, Daniel, Jeremiah and Job. God has a purpose for the darkness you have experienced also. Acknowledge His providence in your life.

18. Assent To God’s Prerogative God has a right to do what He deems best We are His by creation and His by redemption. “All things work together for good…” Romans 8:28

19. Appropriate God’s Provision God has promised: New life * Indwell us with the Holy Spirit * His righteousness * Citizenship in heaven * A spiritual family * His presence * His guidance * Teach you * Supply all your needs.

20. In Your Darkest Hour Cling to His promise… Jesus said, “…I am the light of the world: he that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12.