“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” - Matthew 5:15 (NASB)
After attending church, I would sometimes get home and say to myself, “Self, not one person spoke to us today!” Me, myself and I were all in agreement, and in an internal uproar. I have a default analogy from my dog training days in which I naturally relate to a dog running off with its tail between its legs; visualizing a person calling to the non-responsive dog to turn around to see there is hope. I turned around and the caller was God who reminded me that my expectations are wrongly placed in others. My expectation must be placed in Him, and He would enable me to notice others, and to reach beyond my comfort zone, because I am called to be a light before all and not hide under the basket of my expectations, and my wounded self. I need to say “Hi” first. I still cringe with that uncomfortable lesson. Sometimes I’d rather pout.
We all have reasons for not reaching out. Reach out anyway, meet someone new, smile, ask questions. You may be surprised by the power and strength you are given when you turn and listen to the One calling you to be shiny.
Heavenly Father, I pray You help me step out with Your grace to notice others and shine for You.
This devotion by author, Terrie Miles, is exclusively and solely shared with permission to New Beginnings Church. Any unauthorized printed reproduction, sharing or use of this material is prohibited.
