As I write this devotional it is four days since “Sandy” hit full force into New Jersey.  During the days preceding the arrival of “Sandy” many of us prayed and interceded on behalf of our state.  We said the words Jesus said to a storm long ago:  “…’Hush Be Still’…” (Mark 4: 39b).  We proclaimed Psalm 91 and rested in the Word, “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!” (Ps. 91:2). 

In a book I have titled The Name Book, I looked up the meaning of the name “Sandy” and found it means Defender; its spiritual connotation is Guardian of Truth.  The book also gives a Scripture with each name.  For Sandy the Scripture given is 1 Tim. 6:20 “Guard what God has entrusted to you.  Avoid godless foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge” (NLT). We asked the Lord to change “Sandy’s” assignment.  We asked the Lord to use her to cleanse the body of Christ, to blow the fresh wind of His Holy Spirit over us and draw us to Himself and then use us to be defenders and guardians of truth. 

“Sandy” came with great force, leaving our state changed forever.  We were personally without power for three days, nothing more.  We could not complain about such a minor inconvenience when families lost their homes, possessions and even lives.  I found myself longing to see God work all that had happened for good. I wanted to see light and to be His light in the midst of it all.  I wanted to avoid godless or foolish discussion.  I wanted to be a defender and guardian of Truth. 

A few days before “Sandy” I found this quote at www.chabad.com:

Exposing the Light

Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson

“All the world’s problems stem from light being withheld.

Our job then, is to correct this. Wherever we find light, we must rip away its casings, exposing it to all, letting it shine forth to the darkest ends of the earth.

Especially the light you yourself hold.”

Speaking of light: let’s look at Isaiah 60:1……
“Arise, shine; for the light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.  For behold, darkness will cover the earth, and deep darkness the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you, And His glory will appear upon you.  And nations will come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising” (NASB).

Over these “Sandy days” the Lord graciously ripped away darkness and allowed me to see LIGHT – an area church made a warm meal for people who were without power over a period of about five hours.  A second area church, hearing of what was happening, emptied their refrigerators and provided more food for the effort.  Imagine Baptists and Roman Catholics working side by side to be LIGHT in the community.  Neighbors, emergency workers, strangers and friends all smiled in the midst and they enjoyed the LIGHT.  They were able to go back to their work and homes refreshed and hopeful. 

Walking down the street the Lord allowed me to see neighbors helping each other so that every need appeared to be met.  The LIGHT was shining.  One lady took branches of a pine tree that had fallen and began to decorate her house for Christmas a little early.  She had a big smile on her face and now admired the branches that only a short time before were garbage on her lawn.  I laughed with this woman who I did not even know.  The LIGHT was shining!!
And the Lord allowed me to be LIGHT in my neighborhood too.  What a joy!!

Ladies, by the time you read this devotional it will likely be December.  You will probably be preparing to celebrate when God, who so loved the world, gave His only Son to be the LIGHT in the world.  And now whoever believes in Him can have the assurance of eternal life and carry His LIGHT.  Jesus was and is and will forever be the ultimate LIGHT of the world.  (Taken from John 3:16; 8:12)
Remember that song you learned when you were little – “This little LIGHT of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”.  Come on…….let’s sing it.  I can’t hear you!!  Really, this Christmas let’s sing with child-like faith and be the LIGHT in the place where God has planted us.  Let us not hide our LIGHT but shine it brightly so that it will give LIGHT to all who come into our presence.  Let others see Jesus in us and glorify our Father who is in heaven (taken from Matt. 5:14-16).

Merry Christmas,
Patricia Wenzel
WOC Graduate

Referenced above:
The Name Book by Dorothy Astoria, Bethany House Publishers, 1997.