Light Shining in Darkness: Reflections from my Time in Prison
Recently, I finished teaching a theology class in a Bible College which is located in a prison in my area. It was an experience unlike any other, not just because of the environment but because of the depth of transformation I witnessed in a place often associated with hopelessness and despair. As I taught the freshman class, I was reminded again of this truth from 2 Corinthians 4:6.
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ."
This verse captures the heart of the gospel—a light that penetrates even the darkest of places, a hope that transcends circumstances.
A Setting of Darkness
Prison is, in many ways, the epitome of a "dark place." It's not just the physical confinement but the emotional, psychological, and spiritual weight many carry. These are men who have often faced trauma, made poor decisions, and now wrestle with the consequences of their actions. They live in a world where the future feels uncertain, and freedom seems far off.
But amid the steel doors and stark surroundings, the light of the gospel has a unique power within those walls is here, in what many consider the darkest of places, that God's light can shine brightest.
The Light of Christ in the Hearts of the Inmates
As I taught, it became evident that these students were not just interested in learning theology for the sake of knowledge. They were hungry for something deeper—a transformation that only the gospel can bring. We discussed heavy topics: forgiveness, redemption, suffering, and grace. And yet, as we explored these theological truths, I could see God's light beginning to flicker in their hearts.
For some, this light came in the form of newfound hope. One inmate shared how, despite his past, he now believed that God could use him to be a light to others, even within the prison walls. Another spoke about the deep sense of peace he had found in Christ, something he had never experienced before, even though his circumstances remained unchanged.
The Power of God's Light
2 Corinthians 4:6 speaks of the God who "made His light shine in our hearts" to reveal "the knowledge of God's glory." This is not just an abstract theological concept—it is a living reality. Just as God spoke light into the darkness at creation, He continues to speak light into the darkest corners of human experience. And what I learned through teaching in this setting is that no place is too dark for the gospel to penetrate. No heart is too hardened, no past too stained. God's light is powerful enough to overcome any form of darkness.
Hope for All of Us
Teaching in a prison reminded me that the message of the gospel is one of ultimate hope. The light that shone into the hearts of those inmates is the same light that can shine into any area of our lives, no matter how dark it may seem. We all experience seasons of difficulty, brokenness, and guilt. But 2 Corinthians 4:6 assures us that God’s light can break through any darkness.
In the same way that He illuminated the hearts of those students, He can illuminate ours. We are all in need of that light, whether we’re physically confined or spiritually imprisoned by our own struggles. The light of Christ shines in the darkest places, offering hope, healing, and transformation.
As we go through our own lives, we must never forget the profound truth of 2 Corinthians 4:6: the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is still shining His light today, bringing the knowledge of His glory into the hearts of those who seek Him. And even in the darkest places, His light will always prevail.
