When Your Light Reaches Further Than You Know

Land alive, friend, wipe your shoes on that mat up here on this ol’ front porch and get yourself inside here before that ol’ screen door bangs enough to wake every lil’ ol’ squirrel from here to the creek bottom. I’ve been thinkin’ about influence. Most of us figure influence belongs to somebody with a microphone, a title, or enough followers to plum populate a small county. Meanwhile, God has been using ordinary folks since Scripture began.

Jonah surely wasn’t polished. By the time he reached Nineveh, he’d plum already argued with God, taken the wrong boat, and enjoyed accommodations inside a great big ol’ fish that probably didn’t offer a complimentary breakfast.

Yet, Jonah finally obeyed. In Jonah 3:6–7, his message reached all the way to the king. That ruler stepped down from his throne, put aside his royal robes, and downright humbled himself before God.

One obedient voice reached a kingdom.

Esther sho’-nuff’ discovered the same truth. Mordecai told her in Esther 4:14, “Who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” She had access others didn’t have, and God used her influence to save lives.

Friend, you’ve got a circle too.

Your kitchen table may be your palace. Your workplace may be your Nineveh. Your grandchildren, neighbors, Sunday school class, or friend at the grocery store may be the people God has placed within reach of your light.

Philippians 2:15 says believers are to “shine... like stars in the sky.” You don’t have to plum light up the whole county. Just shine faithfully where God planted you. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Father, help me recognize the people You have placed within my influence. Give me courage to speak truth, kindness to reflect Jesus, and wisdom to know when to speak and when to simply live faithfully. Let my life point others toward You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now straighten your apron, grab your hat, and get on with your day. A lil’ ol’ lightning bug doesn’t fret because it can’t illuminate the whole forest. It simply shines right where it is. A lil’ bit of salt can season a whole pot, and one faithful life can travel farther than an ol’ fox through an open chicken yard. So, shine where you’re planted, friend. Heaven can handle how far the light reaches.

With joy,

Gwen