Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 14

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12

Living in the Light of God’s Presence

“Lord, make me a woman of the Word—a real woman of the Word.” That prayer tumbled out of my mouth in 2016 as I sat in an empty room of a new rental house in Chile. I had been a Christian my whole life: baptized as a baby, raised on Scripture at home and school. On paper, I was certainly a woman of the Word.

But my conscience knew better. Much of my adult life had been consumed with proving myself rather than growing closer to my Savior. Long hours teaching in Christian schools and over-planning left little energy for the Word. Church became a chore. My “devotions” were more about socializing than about God.

A dramatic move—5,525 miles south to serve in a local church in Chile—didn’t change that. A year later, I still felt the same guilt.

The Holy Spirit kept pressing: Sit. Be still. Listen. Stop striving. Just be in the Word. It sounded simple yet felt impossible. I wanted measurable results. But that’s exactly why my Savior came: because no one can prove themselves worthy. He already lived the perfect life in service to God and neighbor. He went to the cross to prove his love. I didn’t need to do more; I needed to rest in what he had already done.

So, the prayer came: “Lord, make me a woman of the Word. I don’t know how. I don’t even want to, but I need you. Grant me your Spirit. Teach me to put your Word first.”

In John 8, Jesus was confronted by self-identified godly people who questioned his authority. They didn’t want to believe that his words were true and needed in their lives. Jesus’ response came sharp and cutting: “You have no idea. You don’t know me or my Father.”

Ouch. I feel that truth sting through the pages of my Bible. Pride blinds me, too.

But Jesus also spoke the clear gospel to this group of doubters: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

His words pierce our pride and striving. God’s Word is not just information; his gospel is actual power. It breathes life into dead hearts, grows faith in all kinds of soil, and bears fruit in the reader’s character. I didn’t need a 70-hour workweek or a move across continents to become a woman of the Word. I simply needed to humbly sit, open my Bible, and pray, “Lord, fill my cup with your living water.”

Over time, he did. Slowly, faithfully, God granted me self-control and even joy in his Word daily. And there, in the light of his presence, I finally began to see that being a woman of the Word has nothing to do with proving myself—and everything to do with Jesus, the Light of life.

Prayer: Lord, Light of the world, thank you for calling me out of my pride and striving and into the warmth of your Word. Teach me to love sitting at your feet and listening to your voice. Keep me walking in your light until the day I see you face to face. Amen.

Written by Elise Gross