28th February 2024
Shine brighter!
“…let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
The wonderful thing about light is that it doesn’t dim when plunged into darkness but appears to shine all the brighter. Imagine a lit streetlight during the day, barely visible. During the night, however, it seems to shine more brightly and can guide people safely through the darkness. Imagine though, not the kind of darkness we experience now with light pollution, and headlights, and other streetlights, but complete blackness, apart from a lone street lamp. It would be seen for miles and by a great many people. The darker it gets, the brighter the light shines and this analogy points to the light of Jesus, who shines so very brightly in the darkest of times.
Jesus is the light, but in Matthew 5:14 He tells us that we are the light because He lives in us. So, when people see the light of Jesus shining out of us in the darkness, it can lead to the recognition and praise of God. This is why, when we find ourselves in dark times, we are not only looking for the light ourselves, but we become beacons leading others out of their darkness, and towards Jesus.
Our response to the darkness matters, and we can use these times of trial to witness to the light of the world: Jesus. We give Him praise, even in the difficulties, knowing that He is the God who saves. As others are drawn to the light that shines out of us, they too may, in turn, lift praises to God.
Don’t despair in the dark times; remember the light that lives in you and use it to draw others to Jesus, as you yourselves walk out of the darkness and into the light. We can only do this, in fact, because of the light that lives in us.
Prayer
Father, may your light shine out of us as we seek to draw others to you. Teach us to shine brightly and to praise you, in the light and in the darkness – knowing that our witness here on earth can inspire others to praise you in the heavens. In the name of our Lord Jesus, Amen.
Study by Sinead Henderson
About the writer:
Sinead Henderson attends the Market Harborough congregation of Grace Communion International
Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7QU
Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm
Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church