Did you know that photographs are developed in the dark? No, not the ones taken on your fancy smartphone or digital pictures. However, the pictures taken with an actual camera need darkness to produce the images. To process still pictures, photographers use dark rooms to carefully control the light so that light-sensitive photographic paper doesn’t become overexposed. The same goes for us. Therefore, our development occurs in the dark because we’re protected for a purpose.
The Story: 2 Kings 11:1-21
In 2 Kings 11:1-21, Athaliah, the mother of King Ahaziah, was distraught over the death of her son and sought to destroy all the royal offspring. Fortunately, the king’s half-sister learned of Athaliah’s plan. As a result, she hid Joash, the deceased king’s youngest son, and his nurse in the temple of the Lord. They remained hidden for six years.
In the seventh year, the priest made plans to reveal the young boy. Guards would surround every place the future king would go from the king’s house to the palace. The high security was necessary because Athaliah still reigned over the land. At the appointed time, the priest brought out the boy and crowned him king. The people rejoiced, but Athaliah was enraged. As a result, the priest removed and killed her outside the temple. With her removal, calm returned to the land as Joash began his reign at seven years old.
The Lesson
Like Joash, we’re protected for a purpose. We wonder why no one called our name. We question if we will ever move beyond where we are. As we survey the land, we think we missed our moment because others moved past us. However, none of these are correct.
Our time has not yet come. While we’re in the darkroom developing, there’s still work for us to do.
- Discover and solidify our identity. We must know who we are. When we come out into the open, everyone won’t receive us well. When we know ourselves, the negativity doesn’t permeate our identity.
- Develop our purpose. The dark is where we develop and practice our skills. We learn everything we can about our craft and develop a repertoire tailored to who we are and what we offer.
- Find our community. In the quiet darkness of anonymity, we find our tribe. These are the people who support us whether we’re up or down. They love who we are and not what we possess.
- Remain in anticipation. Stay in a spirit of expectation. Know that a grand entrance is on the horizon. Although we’re in the darkroom right now, the door will soon open for all to see.
Therefore, the rejection had a purpose. The betrayal was necessary. Even the loneliness had an assignment. All were essential to protect us for a purpose. As a result, we’re ready for what’s next.
