Shining Through The Darkness
by Wendy M. Reynolds

“You are the light of the world.
A city that is set on a hill cannot
be hidden.”  Matthew 5:14

ast night as I stepped out of the vehicle, I couldn’t help but notice how the stars brightened up the night sky.  It was an absolutely beautiful site.  Actually, it was quite inspiring.  It was as if the stars and the light from the stars had broken through the darkness. All of that darkness couldn’t hold back the brightness of the stars. 

I often think about the things that I go through that attempt to hold back my brightness or the things that tempt me to not fully walk in who I know I am meant to be. You know stuff like fear, tragedy, self doubt, unbelief, insecurities of other people, disappointments, subtle criticism from others… Then I am reminded like last night that the light that God has put on the inside of me cannot be held back.  It cannot be overtaken or consumed with darkness.  It’s too powerful to be hidden.  It must break forth!  It has to be seen and seen overcoming darkness. Then it stands as a testimony of God’s goodness and greatness. It stands as a compass leading people in the direction of the Christ.

Tell me, what is it that God has put on the inside of you that you have allowed to be hidden?  What won’t you allow to shine through? What has occurred in your life or who has occurred in your life that caused the brightness of your light to go dim or caused you to question whether you are even supposed to shine?

Break  forth!  As I break forth and as you break forth and as others break forth, we will be like those stars in the sky- not only twinkling but standing as a source of inspiration, a testament of God’s glory- compelling and provoking the light in others to break forth and be and do what it was created to do!

Come on and shine with me. I’m so incredibly tired of holding back, aren’t you?  Stir up your gifts. Use your talents. It’s in you awaiting your permission to break out.  Break through the faultiness of bad thinking! Break through the fear of failure or fear of success. Break through the negative voices of people who have told you, “Who do you think you are?” Break through the abusive relationship that tries to keep you confined- the opinions of others that try to keep you defined. Break through the limits of your mind.

You were meant to shine.  You were meant to impact your surroundings. What is on the inside of you is needed.  Someone needs your light. They need to hear your words- your encouragement- your song. They need your smile and your wisdom and your knowledge and your expertise. Wow! Don’t hide it.

Matthew 5:14-16 states, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

God made you to be amazing.  You are a reflection of Him. You are stunning and breath taking. The light of God in you is powerful!  Let it break forth and do good. A little bit of light overcomes a whole lot of darkness. I challenge you to find opportunities to shine through the darkness. Find something to do- someone to inspire and guide.  Don’t be afraid of what God has put in you. Embrace who you are and break forth and shine. Ultimately, you won’t be satisfied until you do!

Stay in God’s presence!