Let your light so shine before men!

One “A Miracle Every Day” reader recently wrote to me about his frustration when it comes to speaking about his faith: “I can’t seem to talk about Jesus to those around me...I don’t know how to bring up the subject for fear of frustrating or making the person feel judged. Yet, I want to testify...I pray for this. How do I do it?” I understand this frustration very well. I have experienced it myself many times. And I realized that others need what I have...and especially “who” I have. And that my story with God can help people. (Find my story on MyStory). friend, I invite you to accept what your position as God’s child involves! Who was Jesus speaking to when He declared, “‘You are the light of the world…’” (the Bible, Matthew 5:14, NKJV)? He was speaking to His disciples, and you are His disciple as well if you’ve decided to follow Him. You can’t keep such a treasure to yourself! You are called to share it around you.  Jesus continues with this: “‘A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.’” (Matthew 5:14-16) It seems absurd to imagine that someone would light a lamp to immediately hide it, doesn’t it? A child of God who doesn’t shine (out of fear, timidity, shame, or even simply because he/she isn’t aware of the light that’s carried within) is like this lamp: it shines well, everything’s working, but its potential stays inside and no one can benefit from it… friend, you can shine with a radiance and intensity that are unique to you, according to who you are, in the different seasons of your life. You can shine through your sensitivity; your organizational skills; your joy; your singleness; your family life; your sense of teamwork; or by the way you overcome the trials of life like grief, illness, or economic hardship caused by the coronavirus. God declares it over your life: He has intentionally placed His “Light which gives light to every man” (John 1:9) inside of you, like a lighthouse in the night that leads ships to a safe harbor. What will you decide? To stay away from prying eyes or to let the light spring forth through your life? Today, the Lord is calling you to share His joy to see people come to Him, thanks to your unique testimony! Remember that God believes in you! Go and shine for Him…