The Word Illustrated #79
© Pamyla Floyd
9/23/2011
And whatsoever ye do, it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Colossians 3:23
Shine
There are a lot of things that easily puts a smile on our faces; the warmth of the early morning sun, the smile of a child, seeing people who are in love. I could go on and on. These are just a few of the things that make us ‘shine’. But what if the day is dreary, the child continually cries and instead of returning a smile, people are scowling at us? If we really have the joy of the Lord on the inside of us, none of these will keep us from returning a smile.
Its what’s on the inside, that internal force that causes us to shine, no matter where we are, who we are around, or the circumstances we find ourselves in. Matthew 5:16 says to let your light so shine before men, so they would see your good works and glorify God in heaven. Satan bombards us with various trials and situations intended to steal our joy, but Jesus has conquered the world, so that through Him, we would be more than conquerors. We are called to stand, and if we ask, He will give us the strength to do so.
We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us, and there is nothing or anyone that can pluck us from the Lord’s hand, John 10:28. But to shine, that means to not focus on our own situations and circumstances and continue to run this race that has been set before us. Each of us must get to the point in our walk, where the childish things are put away. We must grow and mature and become more selfless and less selfish. We can reach out and make a difference in the lives of others, even when we are in pain.
Someone needs to hear the testimony of how the Lord is bringing you through a trying time. Someone needs to know that what they are facing is only temporary, that God has not forgotten them, and that joy comes in the morning. I was talking with my co pastor about the storms of life one day, and she pointed out that sometimes our blessings are wrapped up in storm clouds! Wow what a revelation! I have not looked at storms the same. We all have a word of encouragement to share. Shine!
As long as you have breath in your body and are awakened to see another day, you have the chance to stand in the gap and bless someone. I resolved to serve the Lord all the days of my life. That includes the times when things are not so sunny in my own life. I will not let temporary circumstances, turn the course of my life, away from the Lord. With all that you have in you, just shine for the Lord. Our God is faithful and He is just. The promises God made you are not voided, because they have not come to pass yet; nor were they ismissed because disaster struck. He is not slack concerning His promises. II Peter 3:9a
He knows where we are at all times, abd He knows what we have need of. He loves and cares for each of us, and is NOT a respecter of persons. Would you learn anything, grow or be able to help someone else if everything went your way? None of us would be of much good if we lived a life like this. Let’s take the focus off of ourselves and Shine! Give of yourself no matter where you are. You are sure to be surprised at what He has, with your name on it.
God bless,
Pamyla
If you want to know how to ask Jesus into your heart, or want help in leading someone to Christ, please visit my Salvation page. If you want prayer or need help finding scriptures to stand on, please email me: thewordillustrated at yahoo dot com
Reference scriptures:
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season—Psalms 145:14-15
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God—I Corinthians 2:5
*Note* the image is of a 3D dog standing tall and proud next to the word Shine. Both are on a reflective surface.
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