(Isaiah 60:1-5) We have all been through affliction in one form or another. But Scripture encourages us to "Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - rise to new life]!. Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!"(V. 1 Amplified Bible) "For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, and His glory will be seen upon you" (NKJV). In these end times there will be a evident distinction between the Church (Light) and the world (Darkness). Scripture informs us that judgment must begin at the house of God (1 Peter. 4:17). This is not a judgment of condemnation, but of restoration that the glory of the Lord will rise upon His people. The Lord judges His own first because He can't judge the world if we are in the same condition. Also, God judges the world not to condemn them but to expose their need for a Savior. That is why it is imperative for the Church to stop looking at circumstances that are contrary to God's word/will and continue to focus on the new life within, Christ in us the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). We do not change to see God's glory but just the opposite we are changed as we behold his glory(2 Corinthians 3:18). Just as in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep and the Spirit of the God was hovering over the face of the waters God is going to say to those who are ready, "Let there be light!"And in so doing, God will have divided the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:1 - 3). Even though the enemy may come in like a flood with all his dark diabolical work, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight with the radiant glory of the Lord (Isaiah 59:19). As a result of the glory of the Lord being seen upon His people all nations will come to our light, even noblemen to the brightness of our rising (Isaiah 60:3 - 5). This distinction between God's people and the world is for the express purpose of drawing all men unto the Light, our Lord Jesus. So I encourage you, arise from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you - Rise to new life!