Useless

Take a flashlight and try and use it in the middle of the sunniest day outside. It doesn't matter how strong or powerful that flashlight is because it is useless out in the sun. A flashlight requires darkness to be of any use. In fact the darker it is the brighter the light will appear.

As christians we can find ourselves in very dark places and wonder, "Why in the world had God put me here?" We may feel abandoned and alone and wonder how we got so lost, when really we are right where we need to be. If we are to share the light of God with the world, what good are we surrounded by each other? We are useless. But in the darkness He can shine.

I know that God has great plans for my life but that doesn't mean that these great things rest in the distant future. Instead, they reside as an opportunity in every interaction I have with someone. A positive attitude and joyful heart go a long way (beyond what we may every truly know) in impacting the lives of others around us. I choose JOY. Life may not be going exactly how I want it to and there may be a laundry list of things gone wrong but I have to let go and let God. Philippines 4:6 says, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done." So, I will live a life of thanksgiving. And I will allow His light to shine through me in the darkest places.

Since moving back home I have really missed having a good support group of fellow believers around me. I miss "doing life" with the friends that became family. But you know what, God didn't put me on this earth to be comfortable. I am thankful that he has placed me in some darker places so that His light in me might actually be of use. A lot of times I think we feel it takes completing some huge task to make a remarkable difference in the world when really small is so the new big. There is great power in obeying God in the small.

Be obedient in the small, daily details. Each day look for opportunities to shine God's light. Do not shy away from darkness for that is where He can use you the most. Don't be useless.