We live in a fallen world. Genesis 1:2 says “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep.” The state of things was chaos and darkness, but “…the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.”
One day in my youth, my friend Cherie and I rode our bikes to the Mill Pond. We loved to play there on hot summer days. Ankle deep in the clear water and solitude, I held a tiny frog the size of my thumbnail while Cherie dropped pebbles into the shallow water. Suddenly, a man came up behind us and told us to get into his car. My memory of those moments is as clear as the spring water. I flung the frog into the pond, ran past my flip-flops in the grass and jumped on my bike. The long, desolate country road home flashed into my mind. If he followed us, we were doomed. My eyes darted across the pond to a parked car. Were they with him? Were they safe? The spikes on my pedals dug into my feet as I raced toward them. Cherie was far behind but I knew I had to reach this car. The two people had seen the man approach us and said we could stay with them until he left.
I will meet with darkness in this world. Sometimes I make a quick escape and sometimes darkness seems to be winning. Sometimes darkness appears to cover the face of all around me but evil never has the final word, for God is above all. Jesus has defeated darkness. He has the final word.
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. 2 Thessalonians 3:2-5
Meeting God at the Park 