August 2024

“Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
ROMANS 12:2, NIV

Dear Friend,

As I sit down to write this letter, I am deeply moved by the spiritual battles we all face in our daily lives. This is a time when darkness seems to encroach from all sides—through financial pressures, health issues, family conflicts, and the pervasive sense of uncertainty about the future. Yet I am reminded of the powerful truth that light pierces the darkness and we are called to be bearers of that light. When the darkness creates confusion and doubt in my soul, I find it helpful to go back to the basics.

Romans 12:1-2 calls believers to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is not a single event but rather a continuous journey of becoming more like Christ. The apostle John reminds us that Jesus’ actual life was the Light, and the same is true of us (John 1:4).

We must BE what we want others to BECOME.

Recently, I received a letter from a listener who shared how these basic teachings have been a beacon of hope during a dark time in their life. Their testimony of transformation and renewed faith reminded me of the power of God’s Word to pierce through the darkest circumstances. But many people are struggling, confused, and overwhelmed; they don’t know where to start. Even after fifty years of walking with Jesus, I keep going back to four fundamental questions to realign my life and priorities when I’m struggling.

Four Questions to Ponder with the Lord

1. Am I “all in”? Have I fully surrendered my life, future, family, career, money, dreams, and possessions to a good and loving Father who has my best in mind?
2. Am I living separate from the world’s values? Has pleasure, power, position, popularity, pleasing people, or pride become a subtle idol or barrier to a life that is holy and loving in thought, word, and deed?
3. Is there anyone I need to forgive who has hurt or betrayed me?
4. Do I know where I fit into God’s body to make a difference? Am I engaged actively and deeply with fellow believers to bring light to the darkness in my world?

Now, before you start to think of all the things that may need to change, let me share with you some wise counsel that I received from a godly mentor: start small, dream big, and go deep.

One of the key aspects of walking with God in times of uncertainty and chaos is our identity in Christ. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of the world, but we must remember that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37). Our strength and hope come from the One who overcame the world.

“The light [Jesus] shines [present tense] in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”
JOHN 1:5 NLT

God’s greatest work has always occurred in the darkest moments in human history. This means that though we are living in a dark world locally, nationally, and globally, GOD’S STORY from beginning to end gives us hope to pierce the darkness. I wish I could sit down with you over a cup of coffee for about three hours and share how God is using Living on the Edge to pierce the darkness all around the world.

• I’d share stories of young people overcoming anxiety and depression and then reaching their friends for Jesus.
• I’d tell you about the hope and help for thousands of pastors last month in rural areas of Nepal and West Africa and key cities in the United Kingdom.
• I’d read aloud personal testimonies I receive weekly of prisoners, housewives, struggling executives, inspired pastors, and new believers showing how God is changing their lives through our broadcast.

As we continue this journey together, I want to thank you for partnering with us in piercing the darkness with the light of Christ. Your generosity and support are especially needed right now as we prepare for a major ministry launch this fall.

Thank you for standing with us and shining the light of Christ into the darkest corners of the world.

Piercing the Darkness,

Chip Ingram
CEO and Teaching Pastor, Living on the Edge