Purposeful Faith

Let your Light Shine Bright

Let your light shine bright
I was in a mom’s bible study. We were there to grow in love of the Lord – to share his work in the midst of the craziness of motherhood, his encouragement when we felt despair and his grace in failures. As much as I was looking to be loved and accepted, I wanted to shine an encouraging word into each of their hearts.
 
God had been transforming my soul in awe-inspiring ways, so I was eager to share. He had been teaching me about trusting him – about reaching outside of myself, stepping outside of my comfort zone and about letting go of things I clenched so tightly.  He was teaching me to let him work out what was his to work out. God was teaching me in a powerful way.
 
But, as I stepped into the spotlight of vulnerability, a dark cloud cast a shadow over me.  I questioned, “Is my story even good enough? Am I overwhelming them? Can they handle all this “Jesus talk”? Am I a “know-it-all”? Do these ladies even care?”
 
I left the group defeated and discouraged. I went in with a flame ready to ignite the group’s passion for the Lord, but I left with burnt ashes in my wake. 
I was confused. Shining my “light” illuminated my vulnerabilities – and highlighted my insecurities.
 
God, I heard your call. Why did this happen?

After much soul-searching, I realized I hid my candle – out of fear of judgment.  The light still remained in my soul, but I took my eyes off of God.

I placed the value of my light on the women in my sight.
Instead of the God who works with all might.
Instead of the God who is completely right.
Instead of the God who shines bright.

God’s glory, his radiance, and his brilliance are not dependent on the responses of others. He is light.

It is impossible for darkness to extinguish light.  It will always shine. It will always be. It does not depend on reactions, perceptions or judgments.  It just is.

Even if you have your flame hidden, it is still there. It stands ready to shine.Because the light he put in us is truth. It is the power he works within us to shine the glory of Jesus Christ in present day life.

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6 NLT)

To hide his light, to squelch its power – is to hide the saving and redeeming work of Jesus Christ.  When we do this, we hide the work he has set forth for us to do. But, when we live based on the light that is within us, we are truly living. We are in his will. We are living with purpose and with power. We can see the way we should go. It is amazing. It is powerful.

In Order to Let Your Light Shine Bright, You Should:

  • Not fear the response of man.
  • Speak as the Lord directs.
  • Listen to others opinions and reflect on truth.
  • We run from those who are not willing to listen or hear.
  • Realize that the value of our message is not dependent on the value of others responses.
  • Give glory to the Lord all the time – in all ways.
  • Weigh our words carefully before speaking.
  • Speak truth no matter what, balanced in love.
  • Be who God created us to be, no matter how others feel.
When we shine light – when we let our light shine bright – God sends it into dark places. We  may not even know the distance that our light will shine.  He will send it far and he will send it wide. Our job is to keep our eyes on him and trust him as we let him lead.
 
People will judge us, but his truth will lead us. He will not let our foot slip (Proverbs 121:3). 

Never be afraid to shine too brightly for the one you love; for the light within you is set to light the world on fire with a love of Christ. Let your light shine bright.

 


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purposefulfaith

Kelly, a fun-loving, active and spunky mom of two rambunctious toddlers, spends her days pushing swings, changing diapers and pursuing the Lord with all her heart. Called a "Cheerleader of Faith", Kelly's greatest desire is to help women live passionately, purposefully and unencumbered for the Lord.

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20 CommentsLeave a comment

  • You speak so much truth and wisdom – I feel really uplifted by reading these heart-felt words. I often jump into things with good intentions, all guns a’ blazin’, full of the desire to share the gospel, but similar fears enter my mind and often it is because I focus on the person/people at hand rather than on God. I love the poetry interwoven within your post – it’s beautiful. In order to let my light shine bright I will definitely be reminding myself of those bullet points! God bless Kelly – it is lovely to be part of the Cheerleading link-up! God bless 🙂

    • Thank you Ruth. It is a joy to have you as part of the Cheerleading linkup. Thank you so much for your kind words. We will keep our eyes on Christ and keep moving towards him – as we shine!

  • Oh Kelly,

    I do relate to this. Years ago, God point out a “haughty spirit” within me. Yikes! He had to help me work through an issue of pride that I was not aware of. Now on the other side of it, I am sometimes extra cautious about going forth, wanting to make sure it is for the right motives. Today I feel so far away from that used-to-be flaw. And I thank God for the encouragement to share of His goodness from a place of honor and humility! As you encouraged me just yesterday…may my light never go out! Thank you for sharing this timely word!

    • Sweet Yolanda, thank you for sharing your heart with me. Pride can sneak up on us and before we know it – we are consumed with it. I commend you for being aware of your motives. It is especially important with this writing and blogging adventure that you will be going on. Praying over you this morning and that the Lord leads you in all his ways. Thank you for your comment!

      • Thank you, especially for the alert concerning what could come along on this writing and blogging adventure. I am believing God to keep me focused on Him…always!

        Great week with #RaRaLinkUp. This weekend, I am going to be intentional about planning out how to incorporate it into my ongoing schedule such that I am enjoying the fun with balance. Thankfully I will have two weeks off from work to figure that all out.

        Be blessed!

        • Thank you Yolanda, that makes a lot of sense to find balance. I am glad that you liked the post. It is an adventure. The Lord will teach you so much throughout it all! I can’t wait to see where he takes you. Thanks for being an amazing cheerleader for #RaRaLinkup. You make it exciting!

  • AMAZING post, Kelly!!! “Never be afraid to shine too brightly for the one you love; for the light within you is set to light the world on fire with a love of Christ. Let your light shine bright.” <— LOVE THIS!!! It truly spoke to my heart! Thank you so much for sharing this! 🙂

  • I love this. I am studying 1 John right now and there is so much about the contrast between light and darkness. Thanks for the powerful reminder to shine the light! (popping over from #livefree linkup

  • So loved this Kelly! This has been me too. I needed to hear this today, I have struggled so many times with letting my light shine in fear of what others would think. God has been challenging me these area’s big time. Thank you for your vulnerability friend. Love you so. xoxo

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  • This is just the article I needed to stumble across this morning. I recently found my light and have been leading fully from my heart. Yesterday I had an encounter with a stranger who tried to pull me down and I initially became discouraged. Your message reminded me to keep shining and trusting in the Lord, knowing he is protecting and guiding me at all times. I will continue to unapologetically be me spreading love wherever I go. Thank you.

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