Let God Light the Match - By Toni M. Babcock 

"Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness and hath no light? Let him trust in the LORD and stay upon his God," (Isaiah 50:10 KJV). 

There are those who fear the Lord and obey the voice of his servant, but evidently through infirmity of mind, or a lapse of faith, have their eyes shut. Spiritual light is all around them, but looking inwardly at their own wretchedness, they still believe they are in the dark. See what gracious encouragement the prophet brings to that soul when he exhorts him to trust in the LORD and stay upon his God. 

In the next verse, the prophet addresses a polar opposite group of people who produce their own light. They look to human reason and carnal confidence to light their way. "Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks; walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow," (Isaiah 50:11 KJV). This verse has the sting of prophetic warning attached. The prophet has no consolation or words of encouragement for the soul who kindles their own fire, lighting their own way with their own torch. 

There is a fire of illumination that only God can produce. God himself must bring light into the soul. Our part is to remain humbly obedient to His voice; in trust relying on God to light the match, igniting faith and the fire of His illumination. 

Publishing good tidings of peace and salvation is what Toni wants to accomplish with her writing. Contact