Jesus answered, "Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world's light. It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light." John 11:9-10
Jesus made many statements that provide great meaning and insight to life. However, there are times when His response just doesn't seem to answer the question that was asked.
In this story, Jesus had received word that his friend Lazarus was sick. Rather than leaving for Bethany right away, Jesus stayed where he was for two more days. When the time came for Him to leave for Bethany to raise Lazarus from the dead, for he had already died, His disciples questioned His judgment. They were worried about going to Judea because the Jews had recently tried to kill Him. Their question was, "Are you sure you want to go back there?" Jesus answered them by talking about day and night - light and darkness.
Where did this come from? What does walking in the light of the day have to do with going back to Judea?
I think Jesus was giving His disciples words that would soon be encouraging... if they had only heard it. Yes, the Jews wanted to take His life. Jesus knew this. Yet He refused to lurk about in the darkness. Every step He took was taken in the light of His Father's will. Although Jesus understood this, His disciples had not yet learned it. A day was coming very soon when His disciples would choose to hide in the darkness of the night. I believe what Jesus wanted to tell them was, "I know what I am doing. Every moment of my life is spent following the One who sent me. Don't be afraid when the worst appears to happen. Look to the One who gives light, for I am the light."
Lord, there are times that I just don't comprehend Your will. It seems that the worst could happen - that I could lose everything I have if the enemy has his way. But You always know what You are doing. Every step taken in faith brings me closer to Your will. Even if that will is death on a cross, Your plan is to prosper us.
Give me eyes to see and ears to hear. Help me to face Your will - in the light of day.