As believers, we are called to be light in a dark world. It’s something I talk about often. But one of the things I’ve realized is that our light often shines the brightest in the midst of adversity.
People aren’t drawn to someone who finds joy in the midst of prosperity. Because the truth is, anyone can find joy in the midst of prosperity. What intrigues people are those who find joy in the midst of struggles.
The apostle Paul had a way of using his pain as a witness. He wrote from a prison in Philippians 1:12: “Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.”
As a prisoner in Rome, Paul wrote many letters to the church that became part of the New Testament. He didn’t allow his circumstances to keep him from letting his light shine.
I’ve come to realize that it doesn’t take God’s power to get through the good things. Honestly, anybody can handle the good stuff. But it does take God’s power to faithfully endure the difficulties and to allow His light to shine in and through them.
The world doesn’t know how to navigate the pain and brokenness we experience in this life. But as followers of Jesus, we can be the examples that they need and help draw them to Christ.
Rick Warren wrote: “Your deepest ministry will come out of your deepest hurt—and your deepest life message will come out of your deepest pain.”
God has this amazing way of working all things together for good for those who love Him. And, as followers of Jesus, we get to allow God to shine through the difficulties and challenges we face—so that we can be His witnesses to the world.
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