It’s nothing new that people would call evil good and good evil or that something known throughout the history of the Church as darkness would now be celebrated as light. In some circles of faith, it might even be considered unloving to define something as evil or a representation of darkness. 

Isaiah the prophet wrote, “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light, and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter” (Isaiah 5:20). This is not just a message to a wayward culture; sadly, it is a word to the Church.

Paul addressed Timothy a young leader who was facing personal challenges related to his ministry. Two unique instructions were given by Paul to Timothy to help him navigate his challenges. Paul instructed Timothy to return to the prophecies spoken over him at the beginning of his ministry and to preach the Word. The prophecies would realign Timothy with hope and preaching the Word would keep his congregation safe and his ministry on the path of truth.

If you are confused about how to interpret this time in your life and what direction to take, when all else fails, return to God’s word. The Scripture has always proven to be the safest of harbors in the stormy seasons of life. It will never fail to prove itself true no matter how flippant truth has become to some, even some who profess allegiance to Christ. The truth of God’s Word defines the difference between good and evil, light, and dark. It offers true comfort when no comfort seems possible.