Letting Your Light Shine

   If you grew up in the church you probably remember hearing songs like "Arky, Arky," "Father Abraham," and many more. While I was in college I sang one of the songs I learned when I was young. Before every soccer game the team would get together and sing different songs.
   One song we would sing was an upbeat version of "This Little Light of Mine." In the song we are told to "let our light shine," "hide it under a bushel no," and "don't let Satan blow it out." 
   When we are young it is easy to let out light shine. We have new faith and we don't really care what others think of us. As we get older we may feel like others in the world don't believe in God as we may hide our faith. Then when we become stronger in our faith we don't want to hide it but it seems like the world wants to snuff out our light. How can we let out light shine when it is hard?
   When friends want you to get drunk but you want to fit in... does your light shine? When someone constantly criticizes you and you feel sukkerpunched... does your light shine? When someone takes credit for your hard work... does your light shine?
   It is not easy to let your light shine especially in today's world. But there are a few steps we can take to make sure our lights continue to shine. 

   1. Trust in God. Being a Christian is far from easy. In fact we are told we will be hated by the world (Mat.10.22). But, unlike non-believers, when things go wrong we have someone to lean on (Pro.3.5-6). We also know that God makes all things happen according to his purpose (Rom.8.28). If we did not believe all this then we may not have the faith we think we have and we are not doing enough of step 2.
   2. Pray and spend time with God. When things get hard, or even when things are easy, we constantly need to be in prayer with God. If you don't spend time with a friend for a while how will you continue to know him/her or have someone to confide in? God is a great confidante. He loves you no matter what and he wants you to grow in him. The only way you can grow in him is by spending time with him and in his word. If we do not do this then our light is definitely in danger of being snuffed out.
   3. Fix your eyes on him. Finally, when all else fails and you think you can't go on. When you feel like your light is about to go out, get on your knees and fix your eyes on him. There's a saying that goes: "God will never give you more than you can take." I respectfully disagree (just look at Job). God will never give you more than he can take through you. His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor.12.9). When you get to the top of this hard mountain climb, past all of the problems you have, you will be stronger because of them.
   We have a choice. We can choose to keep fighting the good fight and let our lights shine; or, we can conform to the ways of the world and give up. 
   So, will you choose to trust in God no matter what happens? Will you spend time with him to grow in him? Will you fix your eyes on him no matter what happens? Will you choose to let your light shine?

   Image from here.