Let Your Light So Shine

So I haven't been on here for a super long time. I've been struggling with priorities and getting the desire to write. Mostly I've thought...Ehh...who's interested in what I have to say anyway...But I've been reminded lately that God has given us all talents and abilities and we are to share those. In sharing those people get to see God in us. Recently I was at a conference. I had the opportunity to hear some wonderful speakers. As I listened to them I thought, "how do they do that?"

My "how do they do that?" came from lots of different places. One reason is because I'm one of those crazy people that like to talk in front of others. I feel God's presence as He swoops in and says the stuff that needs to be said. But lately I haven't done it. I have a position on a board where I should be called upon to speak regularly. It was one of the reasons I choose to accept the position. However, I have been delegating that responsibility to others. I've chosen to ask other people to fill in because I didn't want to do it. But why?

The answer didn't come to me till I watched these speakers and asked "how do they do that?" As I asked that question the words in my head were, "why aren't you doing that?" As I prayed about that answer I really felt God saying I was scared. I didn't get that. I'm usually not scared about standing in front of others. So what was I afraid of?

Pride. It hit me hard and easily. Pride. I was so scared about being prideful and taking the credit for myself, instead of God, that I just boxed up the gifts He gave me and decided not to use them. So I started asking the various speakers, "how do you not feel pride?" I got lots of answers, but the biggest answer I got was that I just have to try. I'm going to fail. I'm going to feel prideful sometimes and God is going to teach me from those times. But He will also grow me in my attempts to use His gifts in a way point others to Him.

I love the musical God Spell and I keep thinking of the song, "You Are the Light of the World." In it the words "Let your light so shine before men." made me think....God's light comes through us in so many different ways. The good we do, the way we handle difficulties, the choices we make and, the way we use the blessings He gave us. I want to let my light so shine before men. That song comes from, Matthew 5:16 and it gives us the reason. "...that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."  So to this new challenge I say, "Ehh..." and realize that I would rather be taught from my mistakes and have the joy of using the gifts He gave me, than running from my fears to the nearest post office so I could box up my gifts and send them away. So I challenge you...use the gifts God gave you, listening to others, multitasking, singing, decorating, teaching, running, relating to others, gift giving, encouraging, multiplying, cooking, having patience, giving, hula-hooping, what ever it maybe, and give the glory to God.