The last thing I felt like doing that day was shining for Jesus. I know Jesus calls us to be the light of the world, but the blazing sun had already zapped my energy—did Austin really even need more light?—and the last thing I felt like doing was going to Target to buy baby clothes and driving a half hour to visit my friend home from the hospital after childbirth.
Reading a book in my air-conditioned bedroom sounded more inviting. (What was even wrong with me? My friend was a refugee from a war-torn country, and all I could think about was air-conditioning?)
Somehow, I managed to eke out a prayer for grace and get in the car.
Later the smiling faces of excited children met me at the door and led me upstairs to their mother. When I hugged my friend and saw her sweet angel baby, I realized it was worth it. I enjoyed the visit. Even though my lamp wasn’t burning so brightly, the love of Christ touched my friend.
Jesus said, “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 5:16)
Yet some days I don’t feel much like shining.
Have you been there?
When it feels like our lamp has burned out, we need to draw closer to the Jesus, so He can revive the flame inside us…
This week I’m celebrating the 6-month birthday of More of God: A Distracted Woman’s Guide to More Meaningful Quiet Times.
I’m celebrating by making the book available to you for a special price on Amazon. (The Kindle version will be 1.99 on Wednesday and Thursday!)
I also have a special giveaway for readers! Follow me on Instagram or Facebook to see how you can win a copy of More of God, along with a journal and colored pens.
Note: This post contains an affiliate link; if you purchase on Amazon, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Heading on over to read the Sparkle!
Aww, thanks, Michele. I love being in community with you, shining God’s love.
Thanks so much, friend
Thank you for sharing so much hope in such an honest way! I (too often) would rather be the one in the a/c reading a book (or under a blanket in the winter). But God never called us to easy and comfortable. And He always makes shining His light worth it.
(And happy book birthday!)
Thanks Rebecca. I don’t like getting out of my comfort zone too much, but God calls me to it, and I’d like to be that person who obeys. So I practice obeying when I feel a prompt.
You are right that we both were thinking along the same lines today with our posts. What a blessing it is to shine our light because not only are we a blessing for someone else but they end up blessing us in the process.
You are right, Mary! I often feel I am the one who gets the biggest blessing!