40 Days In Christ - Week 4: Light
Adrian Thornton

Have you ever stopped to consider how perfectly positioned our planet is? The Earth sits in what scientists call the habitable zone—the exact distance from the sun where life can exist.

If we were just a little bit closer, the heat would cause ice caps to melt, seas to rise, the atmosphere to change, and life to be unsustainable. But if we were just a little further away, the light would lose its power to create life. Everything would freeze, the atmosphere would collapse, and life would cease to exist.

And yet here we are, perfectly positioned. Not too close, not too far. Scientists also call it the Goldilocks zone—a distance from the sun where conditions are ‘just right’ for life.

You see, just as the Earth depends on physical light to sustain life, our lives depend on the light of Christ to truly live. God’s presence is like the sun—pure, holy, unapproachable light. Step too close in religious pride, and the holiness of God’s light would consume us. Turn our backs and wander away, and we find ourselves lost and dying in the dark.

Darkness is powerful, too. Some research says it causes confusion, fear, and disorientation. Romans 1 states that people who turn away from God have hearts that are “darkened.” Ephesians 4 says they’re “separated from the life of God.”

The light of Christ is powerful, but what does it really mean for us today?

1. Light leads the way.
Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” God’s Word won’t show you everything ahead, but it will show you the next step—whether that’s forgiving, rejoicing, or trusting. When we live in His Word, our path is lit.

2. Light exposes what doesn’t belong.
Ephesians 5 says, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” When Christ’s light shines in us, it reveals what needs to change—not to shame us, but to free us.

3. Light expels darkness.
Darkness is simply the absence of light. Lies, shame, sin, and fear live in the dark. But when we invite Christ’s light into those places, darkness loses its power and must flee.

4. Light heals brokenness.
Malachi 4:2 says, “The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” As we worship and revere His name, His light brings healing—spiritually, emotionally, even physically.

5. Light shines Jesus.
When His light fills us, we become a light to others. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world.” We’re not meant to hide that light within the church but to bring it into our workplaces, schools, and neighbourhoods—to light up our city with the love of Christ.

I want to leave you with one very practical way to fill your life with the light of Christ. It will sound simple, but it is actually very powerful. It is to memorise Scripture.

This practice isn’t easy, particularly when you are facing challenging situations, but it will fill you with light and cause darkness to flee. If you commit to it, you will notice that it starts as a mental exercise. Next, you will notice the scripture going from your head to your heart. It’s here that you will notice the light of Christ filling your life!

This week, I’m memorising a portion of John 1. Maybe you can too—or choose another passage that speaks life to you. Let it fill your thoughts, renew your heart, and light your path.

Because in Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
Live in that light—and watch darkness flee.

[1] Write down your prayer requests
- Personal needs
- Friends and family who are yet to discover Christ

[2] Join us in a daily 8am prayer call on WhatsApp

[3] Attempt a fast. This could involve giving up one meal a week or one meal each day, fasting for one day a week, or undertaking an extended fast at various times during the forty days. There is no pressure or expectation on anybody. This is simply an invitation to respond as you feel led by the Spirit.

At the end of the forty days, I will be asking us to reflect on what God has done. My hope is that all we are seeking from God is found in Christ.