I am so excited to announce that my website will be up this week!
Anyway, as I've been writing up samples and practicing, I wrote up this article that I'd like to share here. I hope it will be an encouragement and blessing to you!
How One Light Can Make a Difference
It’s easy to sing, “This
little light of mine. I’m gonna let it shine! Let it shine, let it shine, let
it shine!” over and over again cheerfully clapping along…without really
reflecting on the actual message of the song.
I’m afraid it’s also easy
to hide the light God gave us. Living in a world that is so full of darkness,
it’s hard not to let that darkness discourage us from standing out from among
it. It’s hard to believe that just one person can make any difference in such a
large world.
I admit, there are times I
get so discouraged with all the suffering and sin going on today that I
honestly don’t know how I can possibly do anything to help. I know a lot of
people who get really down when they watch the news channel. It’s difficult to hear
of shootings, terrorists, disease, etc.
But I think what
discourages me even more than ‘bad news’ is when I turn the TV channel to shows
that make some sin look appealing and in fact not bad, but right. I am not
saying that any sin is worse than the other. Sin, is sin. But in our world,
some things that go completely against Scripture and the way God designed are
viewed as anything but wrong. And this has made me so down and discouraged at
times I feel hopeless.
But every time I start to
think that way, I come to God and ask His forgiveness for my lack of faith. Because
if I’m believing that I cannot make a change, I am forgetting His promise to
use me.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it
gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before
others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who
is in heaven." –Matthew 5:14-16
We are here to let our lights shine so through us, the world will see the love and light of God. And just how do we let our lights
shine? Well, I think the obvious answer, is simply by surrendering to God and
trusting Him to use you in unique and wonderful ways. Here are some ways I
believe God uses those who are willing and have a desire to live for Him.
- Through our gifts and skills—God gives each one of us different gifts and skills. Not everyone is meant to go live in Africa or become a pastor. But as believers, we are all missionaries no matter where we are or what we do. And through our God given talents, whether it be writing, teaching children, playing in a symphony, or even driving a mail truck, God can use whatever gifts He’s given you to witness and share His love and grace to others.
- By bravely standing up for Christ—There are times when we are meant to speak and times we should keep silent. Unfortunately there are too often too many times that pass by where we keep silent when we should speak up. It’s common to feel too shy or scared to stand up for the Truth, especially if it’s to someone who is close to us. But if we ask God for strength and the right words, He will give us grace to stand out as His light in darkness.
- By setting ourselves apart from the world—When the world sees we are different, they will be curious to find out what it is. They will be wondering, “Why does she always have a radiant smile on her face?” “Why is he so calm when he’s going through such health issues?” By living in obedience to our Heavenly Father, we are setting ourselves apart from the world. Christ should be seen in the way we speak, the way we dress, and the way we act and respond. And people will see that we have the one thing that will give us constant joy and satisfaction. And when they see that, they will want it too.
So, don’t lose heart! As one light, you can make a big difference,
whether it be in thousands of people or even just one person’s life. If God has
created you to minister and be an encouragement to just one person right now,
it is much better than sitting around feeling discouraged about the sin in the
world.
Don’t hide your light under a bushel! And don’t let the darkness in the
world blow it out. For, when God shines through us, there is no putting the
Light of the world out.
From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines
forth. –Psalm 50:2
