“You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14 NLT)
Even as followers of the Lord Jesus we can lose our love for and appreciation of His holy light. We don’t think of the light in our homes at night, until they go out. Groping in darkness to find a flashlight or matches can not only be frustrating, but dangerous, but not nearly as treacherous as groping in spiritual darkness.
Those of us who have walked with the Lord for many years are sometimes tempted to lose our appreciation for the light we bear, the light we are. No, it’s not a conscious decision, we just get lazy. Rather than keep the “wick” of our life clean and clear of interference, we get lax and allow our life’s light to grow dim, hardly noticing our ineffectiveness in positively effecting the lives of those around us.
Having grown to love and appreciate the heart of Ray Majoran, I pay special attention each Friday when he highlights someone he recognizes who carries the lamp of the Savior. Michaela Challies is such a person who inspires us when she writes:
“An autumn leaf, which once clung to a tree branch in summer’s fullness, falls to the ground, riding the gentle breeze to its end. Often, we pass by these without much attention given to them. It is easy to walk past the browning, crinkling leaves on the ground and forget what they really look like. This leaf (above) is that – fragile, faded, and forgotten. Yet, held up against the light of the sun, it transforms. The sunlight catches the faded colors and curled edges, and the true beauty of this dying leaf is revealed.
This is the pattern of life. In times of sorrow or difficulty, we long for answers, for clarity or healing. Yet we cannot force God to give us answers any more than this leaf can force the tree to release it before its time. We are invited to rest in the knowledge that God is shaping something beautiful, even when the path before us seems littered with decaying, browning leaves and nothing more.
God’s plan which can at times seem so dim can be held against the light of his promises to us, and the true beauty of it is shown. Whatever the season, whether the leaves continue to cling to the branches or if they lie on the ground, you are held by the one who brings light to all. Whatever you carry on this path, the joy, the laughter, the sorrow and the pain, hold it against the light of God’s wonderful love, and you will know a hope you’ve not felt before. He will make it all beautiful in his own time–and when he does, the beauty of this leaf held against the late autumn sun will pale in comparison to the result of his perfect plan.
Struggling physically, emotionally, mentally, financially, relationally, even spiritually can dim the light of Christ’s light and life flowing in and through us. We must intentionally make the effort to maintain vigilance in our godly disciplines, especially prayer, as we seek to keep the light of our Savior’s love shining brightly in and through our life.
The thought occurred to me today, lying in bed as I felt too poorly to get up, tempted not to spend my regular time in prayer, that I may be the only person praying for some for whom I pray every day. The Lord convicted me, reminding me that I cannot let down, regardless of how I feel. I must continue to allow the “wick” of God’s light to glow in and through my life.
Knowing that some who read these posts are also struggling, please press on. Please hold fast to the Anchor of your soul. Please hold fast to your faith and pray faithfully with the fuel of the Holy Spirit enabling your legacy of light to continue for the Lord.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 