Oh How You Shine
This is a SPECIAL BLOG POST by our Guest Host, Michelle Peters, from The Gideon’s International in Canada/Share Word Global.
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.” (Philippians 2:14-16 NLT)
It’s pretty daunting to be expected to live in such a way that no one can criticize you. It’s a high bar, to never complain or argue. After all, every woman faces dark days. But that’s just it—where there is darkness, the light in you shines brighter! In your weakness, Jesus is your source of strength.
Paul told the Philippians to “hold firmly to the word of life,” because it’s the gospel truth that gives life. Just as we communicate with God through prayer, He speaks to us through His Word. The Bible is where we learn about the new life that’s available to us in Christ.
“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true… This is why it is said,
‘Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.’”
(Ephesians 5:8-9, 14 NLT)
God calls you to awaken to the life He has for you. The sun is rising; it’s time to get up! Your strength comes from within—not from yourself, but from the Holy Spirit. In spite of the darkness you face today, let His light fill you.
“You are the light of the world—likea city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NLT)
It’s pretty clear that this light isn’t just for you, or me. What does any girl do when she gets good news? Tell others about it!
In the world is darkness, but Christ has “called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9) Now we want to draw others into that light. Even when you don’t feel like you have it all together, trust in the Holy Spirit. It’s His gospel, and He’s the one who brings people to salvation. We ju st want to be ready to tell others about Him.
One way to stay prepared to share God’s Word is the NewLife app. It’s free to use on any platform, a downloadable, easy-to-read copy of the Bible wherever you go! And the app answers many of the “big questions” of faith, so it’s perfect for seekers and new believers.
It’s important to be ready. Awake, O daughter! That’s a beautiful faith you’ve got there. Rise and shine; the Son is risen. Let’s be found out in the field, where there is work to be done—gathering the lost together and welcoming them home.
I’ll leave you with one last story from Matthew 25:1-13. It’s the parable of the ten bridesmaids, waiting with their lamps for the bridegroom to come.
Five smart bridesmaids made sure they had extra oil for their lamps, while the other five didn’t take enough. When the bridegroom came, they asked the first five to give up some of their oil. The bridesmaids who came prepared told them there wasn’t enough, so the foolish ones left to get more. By the time they came back, the smart girls were already at the wedding feast, and the doors were locked! The girls left outside called out to the groom—but he replied that he didn’t know them.
In this parable, Jesus is talking about Himself as the bridegroom, and we need to be ready for Him. How do you stay ready, and keep your lamp always lit? It’s God’s grace that keeps our “light” shining, so we simply say “yes” to His endless grace. Rather than hoping someone else will get us into the wedding feast, we’re ready and excited for the groom’s arrival!
You shine so uniquely and beautifully. No matter how dark it may feel around you, Jesus is your hope. He gives you joy in seasons of sorrow and peace in the face of chaos. He is the light within you.
