Pushing Back the Darkness

“The Bible presents God as the one who pushed back the darkness with this first light.” —Today devotional, December 2, 2024

Although much of the world is shadowed by fear, division, and uncertainty, the light of Jesus Christ offers a beacon of hope. During Advent, December’s Today devotionals explore the theme of light breaking through darkness.

For many believers, particularly those living in regions filled with persecution, war, or isolation, this light of Christ is a lifeline—reminding them of God’s love, strength, and ultimate victory over darkness.

ReFrame Ministries plays a pivotal role in ensuring that this light reaches even the darkest corners of the world. Whether through radio broadcasts, social media, or devotional publications, ReFrame is equipping believers to share the message of hope found in Jesus.

As darkness encroaches, the light of Christ continues to shine through ReFrame’s international media ministries, bringing peace to those in desperate need.

Hope Despite War

“God had seen their misery, heard their cries, and was moving to rescue them from their suffering and oppression in Egypt after more than 400 years.” —December 5 Today devotional.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has displaced millions, leaving families torn apart and communities destroyed. For young mothers like Marianna, and many more, the daily reality of conflict is a seemingly endless cycle of loss and despair.

Raising two little children by herself while her husband fights in the war, Marianna struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep loss.

Ukrainian women like Marianna have faced unique hardships, often stuck in conflict zones, unable to reunite with loved ones or return to their homes. During this devastation, ReFrame Ministries is shining a light of hope.

ReFrame’s ministry team in Ukraine has launched a new chat hotline, allowing displaced women and others affected by the war to call in and speak with Christian psychologists.

Additionally, ReFrame’s Russian-language ministry continues to share the gospel through social media, radio, and personal outreach. These platforms allow individuals to access God’s Word safely and securely, even in the midst of the war.

“We’ve seen people come to faith in the most extraordinary ways during this war,” said Sergei Sosedkin, ReFrame’s Russian ministry leader. “Amid the destruction, there is renewal in Christ.”

As December 5’s Today states, “The very instruments of war used to control [God’s people] will be destroyed. All of these signs point to freedom and new life that the people could not achieve on their own.”

This message of freedom, achieved only through. . . (continues after photo)

. . .Christ, is exactly what ReFrame is working to share with those affected by the horrors of the war in Ukraine and in other parts of the world.

Bringing Light in Persecution

“By extending the benefits of God’s redemptive work far beyond the borders of Israel’s imagination, God’s faithful servant disrupts Israel’s comfortable, self-focused peace.” —December 13 Today devotional

Around the world, Christians are facing persecution and other barriers to the Christian faith. December 13’s Today reminds us to be mindful of these harsh realities and to pray for those in these circumstances.

In China, where state pressure has forced many churches to close, ReFrame is working to equip Chinese-speaking church leaders with newly published books that provide spiritual resources and guidance during these difficult times. These books are helping to nurture the faith of believers who are forced to gather in secret or operate underground.

“These resources are a lifeline for our church,” one Chinese pastor said. “With government scrutiny increasing, we’ve had to adapt, but God’s Word remains our anchor.”

In India and West Africa, where hostility towards Christianity is growing, ReFrame’s social media and audio programs offer a safe and accessible way for believers to engage with God’s Word and share it with others. Despite the very real threats of persecution, Christians in these regions are finding strength and hope through these programs.

“Even when we are isolated, we are not alone,” said a Christian woman from India who listens to ReFrame’s audio devotionals. “These messages remind us that God is with us, and His light will never be extinguished.”

The December 13 Today devotional reminds us that God’s mission is not confined by human borders or limitations. His redemptive work extends far beyond what we can imagine, welcoming all people into His peace—even in the face of persecution.

The Light Will Not Be Overcome

“The light that God calls us into in Christ is not simply to help us see God more clearly but also to help people around us to recognize God’s goodness through us.” —December 21 Today devotional

Despite the growing challenges faced by Christians around the world, John 1:5 reminds us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This is the foundation of ReFrame’s mission—to ensure that the gospel continues to shine brightly, offering hope to those in the deepest darkness.

In North America, where prisons are overflowing, we remember the need for hope.

ReFrame’s Today devotional has made its way into many of these correctional facilities, providing inmates with daily encouragement and biblical teachings. One inmate shared, “Reading Today has changed my perspective. It’s brought me peace in a place where peace is hard to find.”

With every prison cell, war zone, and persecuted community that receives God’s Word, the light of Jesus shines a little brighter. As the December 21’s Today devotional reminds us, the light of Christ is not only for personal illumination—it is meant to be shared, helping others recognize God’s goodness through our lives.

Through your prayers and support, you can continue to ensure that the light of Christ is not hidden but shines brightly in the lives of those who need it most.

“As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of 2024,” said Kurt Selles, ReFrame’s director, “let us embrace the call to be lights in a world longing for hope. Together, we can ensure that the light of Christ continues to shine, bringing hope, peace, and salvation to those who need it most.”