I’d like to welcome, Sarah Bullington, as my guest blogger. Are you aware of how much the imagery of light is intertwined into the biblical narrative. As someone who is totally blind and who met Jesus in early adulthood, Sarah has a unique perspective about the role of God as our light—a light that shines in a world that can be as threatening and chaotic as the darkest night. Here’s Sarah.
Spiritual Light
By Sarah Bullington
I lost my eyesight at age three because of a brain tumor on the optic nerve. Many see blindness as true darkness, but I have discovered a deeper darkness and a greater light than physical sight. I will explore natural and artificial light, their effects, and how they connect to spiritual light—what it is, where it comes from, and how it helps us overcome true darkness.
The Gift of Natural Light
Looking up at the sky, we see two sources of natural light: the sun by day, and moon and stars by night. In Genesis, God created light with the attention of separating it from the dark. He gave the sun, moon, and stars to guide time, seasons, and creation. Most importantly, God gave his creation of light authority to “govern,” so that darkness cannot overcome.
The stars played a role in the Messiah’s birth. The night sky, as described in Luke 2 became the backdrop to display God’s glory as the angels shared the good news of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds. In Matthew 2, God used the Star of Bethlehem to guide the Maji in Mathew 2, another display of God’s authority over the stars.
God’s creation of natural light also give physical and mental benefits to all of creation including photosynthesis and helping those with seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Even though I cannot personally see the sunlight, I know it is there, for I can feel it on my face and experience the effects God has designed me to receive.
Another source of light is artificial light, but this can have harmful effects on people, particularly on our circadian rhythm. Artificial light also has a negative effect on migratory animals such as birds.
What is Spiritual Light?
Our world is filled with natural light and artificial light, but the greatest source of light is spiritual light. This light never fades or requires a source of power. I discovered God’s light when I became His child 10 years ago. Growing up blind and without a strong Christian foundation, I struggled with my own emotional and spiritual darkness. I never thought I would make it into heaven because of my “childhood crimes.” Reason number 352 why not to raise your kids believing in Santa. This tradition shaped my mistaken beliefs about God and heaven.
My heavenly Father lit my path to find His truth when I walked into a vintage jewelry store. Jewelry has always been my weakness, and God knew to use that to bring me to him. Over time I became friends with Jan and Noelle, the mother and daughter owners, and they invited me to go to their church. After a few weeks, I felt something flicker in me. I was able to convince my mom to join me. We started to come together, and the light grew brighter.
I had not yet realized the salvation being offered to me. But one special day, Jan started to talk about the rapture and that scared me. I told her how I thought I was not going to get into heaven. She told me simply I was because Jesus died on the cross for my sins.
Growing up, I did not have a good relationship with my biological father. When I became a believer, learning that I had a heavenly father who loved me unconditionally changed my life. Sometimes I still need to remind myself of that truth, so I look to Jesus for light, love, and comfort.
The Source of Spiritual Light
Luke 1:78-79 gives a clear explanation of where we get our spiritual light. Zachariah foretells the coming of Jesus, who is referred as the Sun of Righteousness and the Morning Star. Later, Paul assures us of our connection to God’s light (1 Thessalonians 5:5). This is the beautiful thing about having spiritual light in our lives. We do not have to worry about the darkness overcoming us. Our Savior has already overcome the world for us and is now covering us with the light given by the Father.
The Bible gives many actual examples of how Jesus portrays physical light. During Jesus’ transfiguration as recorded in Matthew 17:2-5, Jesus appears to three of his disciples clothed in light as bright as the sun. When Saul was traveling to Damascus, bent on persecuting Christians, a light surrounding the glorified Jesus appeared and shown so bright, Saul became physically blind. (Acts 9:3-9). It was as if Jesus had a spiritual laser pointed directed at him. As Saul fasted during that season of blindness, the seed of spiritual light started to grow. Three days later, Saul regained his eyesight, was transformed by the Holy Spirit, and became Paul the apostle.
Both the Old and New Testaments hold the same truths about the blessings of spiritual light. Jesus speaks directly two times in the gospel of John about his light (John 8:12 and John 9:5). This confirms the truth—Jesus is our light! We are also given a spectacular image of how we will have our heavenly Father and His Son as all the light that we will need for eternity (Revelation 21:23). The Prophet Isaiah confirms that in Isaiah 60:19-20 and the Psalmist David proclaimed the Lord as his light (Psalm 27:1).
Overcoming the Darkness
We are sure to face darkness through life, but we have absolute assurance that the light of our Lord will guide us. I can testify that, since I have become a believer, I have had to walk down some dark valleys. I lost my stepdad to cancer, and my dad to suicide. I am standing here now and can say I only made it through because of Jesus’ light. Because of my experiences, I have a different prospective of Psalm 23:2-4. Remember the images of green pastures and quiet waters? You need light for those to exist. The grass will wither away if there is no light, and dark storm clouds can stir up water. Jesus shines his light in the darkness and leads us through it to find rest in him. I see that same thought reflected in 2 Samuel 23:4.
Now that we have learned all this, what do we do as believers? We should be a vessel for the spiritual light God has given to us. Jesus gives us some good directions (Matthew 5:14-16). I know how hard it can be to find ways to shine our light. For a long time, I struggled to find my purpose. I now know my identity is not in being blind but being a child of God. Through prayer and reading 1 Peter 4:10, I realized God gave me the gift of making jewelry to glorify Him. When I tried to hide the gift he gave me, I stopped letting my light shine and drifted further from Him. So let your light shine through the gifts God has given you, because every good gift comes from him (James 1:17). We need to shine his light throughout the world to glorify Him.
Let’s Shine!
There is still much darkness in the world, but we are called to arise by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 60:1). We are reminded to use the light as a lamp given to us. (Psalm 119:105). In fact, Paul tells us that God has put His light in our hearts so we will have “the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).” We should not withhold our light; instead, we should let that light break through when darkness creeps in. We are children of light, so let us not dwell in the dark (Ephesians 5:8).
Just as we live with artificial light, Satan will disguise himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). He knows the true light of Jesus and perceives that we are Jesus’ followers and belong to Him. The true struggles in this world are not of human origin as it says in Ephesians 6:12. False lights still deceive us today by making sin appear attractive and convincing society that good is evil and evil is good.
There is good news: the true light will pierce the dark (John 12:46). We can look to Jesus and remember to put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12). No matter the status of your physical vision, the armor of light will light the path for all that believe. Even though I may never regain physical sight, I hold tightly to the light of Jesus, and the hope of heaven, where darkness will be gone forever.
About Sarah
Sarah Bullington is a completely blind artist from Northeast Ohio whose creativity shines through her handcrafted jewelry and three-dimensional artwork. Using the gifts God has given her, Sarah creates unique pieces that inspire, encourage, and bring joy to others.
When she is not creating art, Sarah enjoys spending time with God through Bible study and prayer. She also finds inspiration in nature through scenic walks, equine therapy, and visits to unique petting zoos.
Sarah is also passionate about writing, sharing her journey as a blind Christian through her blog on her website where she sells her artwork.
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