you WILL shine, before others!

“let your light shine before others”
[Matthew 5:16]

I used to be the shy kid who never liked to talk in front of others, at podiums or in class. I curled back every chance I got hoping I could somehow make myself invisible. It worked, sometimes, but as I got older something strange began to happen.

I started getting called out.

After I became a christian at 15 years old, my prayers were mainly about being obedient to God and finding my life’s purpose. Little did I know that those prayers I petitioned during my adolescent years would give God a workable, clay-like heart to change me into someone better than my fears would allow me to be.

Have you experienced something similar? Have your insecurities been called out by God? As women, we see ourselves through the lens of insecurity. But God, oh how God sees us! He sees us through the lens of His perfect image.

God loves us too much to leave us alone. He loves us too much to let the devil rule our lives with fear and limitations when Jesus died so we can be all things through Him.

In Matthew chapter 5 verses 14 through 16, Jesus gives a beautiful analogy perfectly fitting for our series this month. He reminds us that we are like:

1. a light
2. a city
3. a lamp

Each of these images do the same thing, they shine. God doesn’t want you to be a city enveloped in a fog. He doesn’t want you to be a lamp burdened by a huge shade. He doesn’t want you hidden; God wants you to shine.

When God calls you to lead in a way that is uncomfortable or challenges you with children who have special needs, He is not punishing you. When God is developing a ministry through broken people who are hard to love, He is not punishing you. When God pushes against your list of “to DON’T”s, He is not punishing you. When God challenges your self image despite your history in trauma, God is NOT punishing you. God is calling you out. He is calling you out of everything that limits you and is calling you TO a better way, a better life and a better relationship with Him.

You weren’t designed to play the back, you were designed to be great and greatness takes center stage. Greatness basks in the glory of God because it knows the Light sheds its light on us to shine in its likeness. God wants you to shine so I say, shine on!

You may have to shine in front of your unbelieving coworkers, you may have to shine in front of the guy who left you and now regrets it, you may have to shine near those who ridicule your spiritual commitment. Do it! Shine bright like a diamond and give God the glory!

My sister, my friend “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

#tobepraised