When the world is at its darkest, some people shine even more brightly. When tragedy strikes the worst, neighbors step up to help one another. People open their hearts to give whatever they can – words of encouragement or hugs of emotional support. We’ve witnessed them opening their pantries or their wallets in a crisis.
In the face of the coronavirus, people are offering gifts of toilet paper to one another, where others have hoarded it. People have posted the need for masks and gloves to protect those who must get out or have compromised immune systems.
Jesus said, “Your lives light up the world. Let others see your light from a distance, for how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that the commendable things you do will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 TPT
The enemy of your soul would love for you to isolate and fall into depression during this dark season. Refuse to give in. Don’t hide your light. Now is our time to shine for all the world to see. Here are some practical ideas of how you can shine your light:
- Smile and greet others with the love of God (from a good distance, of course).
- Spread hope and inspiration instead of the negative news. (What is God doing? What are you expecting by faith?)
- Video chat with someone shut in. They’ll be excited to see your face (and it’s fun to surprise them).
- Offer to pick up groceries for someone who can’t get out and leave them on their porch.
- Send snail mail. A cheerful, unexpected card or note showers light into someone’s day.
- There’s a lot of people in need of prayer. Start with those on the frontlines – our medical service providers, EMTs, police, childcare workers – anyone who had to go out to do what they do.
- Send a text or email to specific people with the words you’re praying or include a certain Scripture you felt led to share with them and why that one is significant.
Many of you are already doing many of these things, and we say thank you! And to those who will take on this challenge and act now, thank you, too!
