Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven – Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)
Are you the star shining in your movie of life? Or are you acting like the supporting character – or even an extra?
Stop Letting Others Write Your Script
How often we allow other people’s expectations to determine the life we live? We anxiously ask, “What will people think?”. We worry people will think we’re too old, not good enough, not qualified, or simply not capable.
Over time, we can find ourselves living according to someone else’s script.
But God created each of us uniquely – with our own gifts, experiences, and calling. You don’t need someone else’s permission to become who God created you to be.
Don’t Play Small
Some of us have spent years making ourselves smaller, even invisible. We put our dreams aside to raise our family, or to build our career or business. We stayed quiet to keep the peace. We didn’t pursue the opportunity because we were afraid of failing – or succeeding. Perhaps, we have mistaken hiding for humility.
But Jesus tells us to shine. If God has given you a light, hiding isn’t humility. God has given us our gifts to be used, and our voices to be heard. God uses our experiences to become wisdom for someone else. God uses our story to inspire others.
Shine – but Let God Direct the Story
God has great plans for each of us – and He calls us to let our light shine beofre others. But it’s important to remember who the movie director is: GOD.
God sees the whole story when we can only see today’s scene. Sometimes, He takes us through unexpected plot twists. Sometimes, He closes a door we desperately wanted opened. Sometimes, He asks us to wait. Our role is to show up, play our part faithfully, and trust God with the story. When our light shines, the glory ultimately goes back to the One who gave us the light.
My Invitation
This is my invitation to you today: stop waiting for permission to shine – step out of the shadows, embrace the gifts God has given you, and take your place in the story He is writing for your life. Don’t be an extra in a story God created you to play a starring role in.