On November 9, 1965, the northeastern United States and parts of Canada were darkened by a significant power grid failure.
It was Tuesday. Evening “rush hour” was just beginning at 5:16 p.m. when the shutdown began. During their commute, thousands of working New Yorkers were only thinking of returning home.
The main hospital in Syracuse, New York, lost its power and the emergency generators failed. Surgeons were forced to complete surgeries in progress by using flashlights. In New York City, the power wasn’t completely restored until 7:00 the next morning, November 10th.
On the night of the blackout, only five incidents of looting occurred. That night holds the record for the lowest crime rate of any night in the city’s history since records were kept.
However, more than 800,000 riders were trapped in the New York City subway system. You might be thinking that horrible events were happening inside those darkened subway cars, with help so far away.
Actually, the next day, “thank you” posters were attached at subway entrances, thanking the riders for their best behavior: “When the lights went out, you were at your brightest,” the message read.
Your Bible says that God is our light (1 John 1:5). Jesus said to those who follow Him, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
Picture a completely darkened room. You are standing in the middle of it. Now, light a match. What happens to the darkness? It is dispelled. What do you see? Only the lighted match, right?
What if God’s light suddenly darkened? No more light. What if the number of Jesus’ followers become fewer? Only darkness in the world.
What would your life be like? How much would crime rise? Would you become a victim? What about your family? Would they become victims?
The apostle John tells us to “walk in the light as He Himself is in the light” (1John 1:7). If you were to walk in God’s light, then His light would always remain. You would be the light needed to keep down crime.
Your light would touch many hearts for God, but only if you continue walking in His light. Are you the light needed for our dark world today?