By Andrew Williams
Opening Prayer:
Lord, may the way we live our lives in both the good times and the hard times be a shining light that points a watching world to you.
Today’s Scripture: Philippians 2:14-15(NLT)
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.”
You may not realize it, but people are watching you. Your family, your coworkers, your neighbors, your friends online—they are watching how you handle life. And when you face trials, opposition, and the pressures of spiritual warfare, they are watching even more closely. They expect to see you complain, argue, despair, and crumble just like everyone else.
But this scripture calls us to a different response. It says that when we navigate life’s difficulties without falling into bitterness and complaining, we stand out. We “shine like bright lights.” Our response to the battle becomes a powerful, non-verbal testimony to the reality and goodness of our God.
Your peace in the middle of chaos declares that you have a Prince of Peace. Your hope in the face of despair declares that you have a living hope. Your grace toward those who oppose you declares that you have received amazing grace. The enemy wants your struggle to be a stumbling block that turns people away from God. But when you lean on Christ, God uses that very same struggle as a spotlight to show a dark world how faithful and powerful He truly is.
Disciple’s Life Tip:
Think of one person in your life who doesn’t know Jesus. This week, make it your prayerful intention to demonstrate your trust in God in front of them, not by preaching, but by your peaceful and hopeful attitude in the face of a challenge.
Closing Prayer: God, make our lives a billboard for your goodness. Help us to shine brightly for you, especially when we are in the trenches. Amen.
