| Book Review: When God Turned off the Lights by Cec Murphey | | Posted on Sunday, October 11, 2009 at 5:00am | When God Turned off the Lights: True Stories of Seeking God in the Darkness by Cec Murphey
.jpg) If we seek a deeper relationship with God, then periods when He seems far away are inevitable. Cec Murphey has journeyed three times during his Christian walk through this darkness .
In his “what-you-see-is-what-you-get” style, Cec shares his journey through dark times to come to a place of enlightenment , repentance, and healing.
Cec suggests that there are three choices when the lights go out: 1) we can give up, 2) we can examine ourselves for sin or failure, or 3) we can accept that God has hidden His face from us for a purpose. Cec made the most of his time in the darkness and chose the latter two.
Each chapter of When God Turned Off the Lights ends with an inspirational personal quote from Cec. Here's a few of my favorites:
- I hadn’t lost anything, but with my change of attitude—even while still in darkness—I found a richer life.
- Although it may seem as if God is asleep when we go through deep darkness, could it be that God is most watchful in the moments of our despair?
- Could it be that moving from why to what might take us one more step closer to the light?
Here is a little taste of what you will find when you read this book:
What to Do When the Lights Go Out
by Cec Murphey
If you sincerely desire to follow Jesus Christ, life won't always be easy. Many times the Bible promises victory, and you may need to remind yourself that there can be no victory without struggling and overcoming obstacles.
In my book, I used the image of God turning out the lights because that was how I perceived the situation. I felt as if I walked in darkness for 18 months. We all interact differently with God, and my experience won't be the same as yours. Even so, most serious Christians have times when God seems to turn away or stops listening. And we feel alone.
Perhaps it's like the time the Israelites cried out to God for many years because of the Egyptian oppression. "God heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant promise...and knew it was time to act" (Exodus 2:24 NLT). God hadn't forgotten, of course, but from their perspective, that's how it must have seemed. It may seem like that to you if you're going through your own form of darkness.
Here are a few suggestions to help you:
1. Ask God this simple question: "Have I knocked out the lights by my failures? Have I sinned against you? After you ask the question, listen. Give God the opportunity to speak to you.
2. Don't see this as divine punishment (unless God shows you it is), but consider the silence an act of divine love to move you forward. This is God's method to teach you and stretch you.
3. Avoid asking why. You don't need reasons and explanations--and you probably won't get them anyway. Instead, remind yourself that this temporary darkness is to prepare you for greater light.
4. Say as little as possible to your friends. Most friends will want to "fix" you or heal you and they can't. They may offer advice (often not helpful) or make you feel worse ("Are you sure everything is right between you and God?").
5. Stay with the "means of grace." That is, don't neglect worship with other believers even if you feel empty. Read your Bible even if you can't find anything meaningful.
I chose to read Lamentations and Psalms (several times, especially Lamentations) because they expressed some of the pain and despair I felt.
6. If you don't have a daily prayer time, start one. Perhaps something as short as three minutes--and do it daily. Talk honestly to God. It's all right to get angry. (Read the Psalms if you're hesitant.)
7. Remind yourself, "I am in God's hands. This is where I belong and I'll stay in the blackout until I'm ready to move forward."
8. Pray these words daily: "But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults" (Psalm 19:12 TNIV). Some versions say "secret sins." These are failures and sins of which you may not yet be aware. One of the purposes of your darkness may be to bring those hidden problems to light.
9. Ask God, "What do you want me to learn from this experience?" You may not get an answer, but it's still a good question. Continue to ask--even after the lights go back on again. If you're open, you will learn more about yourself and also about God.
10. As you receive "light" about yourself while walking in darkness, remind yourself, God has always known and still loves me.
Comment on this post and you could be entered to win this gift basket....
Cec Murphey's When God Turns Off the Lights Blog Tour Gift Basket.
Gift Basket Includes:
- When God Turned Off the Lights
- 1 Book Light
- 1 LED Nightlight
- 1 LED Flashlight
- Select Dark Chocolate
Personal note:
Cec is a good friend, so I signed up for his blog tour. And I REALLY wanted to read this book. However, I have to say I haven’t completed it yet. Why? Because every time I pick it up I can only read, and reread, a chapter or two at a time. It takes me back to the times God was silent in my own life. I relate to his struggle with self pity, impatience, and confusion.
This is the type of book that you can read chapter-by-chapter, following Cec’s journey. Or you can let God guide you to the chapters he wants to speak to you through. However you choose to read it, you will finish with a deeper acceptance and understanding of God providential silence and appreciate it more when He turns on the lights once again.
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 All comments are moderated. There will be a delay before your comment appears below. Lisa says: WOW!! I have heard of this book and all the great reviews. I know this book will be a blessing to anyone who receives it. I'm a reader of the Lord, a believer. I have read many books that has helped me grow in every area of my life. I do know sometimes my faith becomes weak but I still try my hardest not to let him (that old devil) think he has won. For as long as I have breath in my body God will always help me through and out of the darkness .
I love your blog Carla and have bookmarked it! Carla says: Hi Lisa! Thanks for your comment and for bookmarking my blog. I will put your name in for the drawing. I know you will love this book! Sara Broers says: http://allinaniowamomsday.blogspot.com
sara_broers@yahoo.com
When God Tunred Off the Lights, happens to the best of us- TURN 'em ON! Enjoy your blog.
Sara Carla says: Thanks Sara for your encouragement and for leaving a comment! I left you a message on my blog at Christian Momlogic.
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