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…that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…
Philippians 2:15 ESV

I read the verse above last week and to be honest, I just wasn’t feeling it.

Apparently this is one of those bottom line verses. A command, not a suggestion.

You should shine. Period.

But sometimes, friends, I just don’t feel very shiny. How about you?

Do you ever feel that life has just dragged you through the mud?

Has stress and sadness, fear or frustration rubbed at you and taken all of the shiny off of your life?

You want to affect others, but it seems impossible to ‘shine like stars’ when life has shattered you into a thousand pieces. The aftermath of loss seems to go on and on and on.

“I will shine later,” we tell the Lord – “when I am over this grief and my head is clear. Then I can figure out what I want to be when I “grow up”. Or maybe when the house is cleaner and I’m sure my kids are going to be okay. Perhaps when I’ve lost ten pounds. I will shine someday, I just know I will.”

But this verse is written in present tense.

You. Shine. Now.

How is that even possible?

I think sometimes we forget that God has sifted everything that has happened in our lives through His hands. And the very things we think disqualify us from shining, may be the things He will use to radically affect the folks we come in contact with.

Think about a glow-stick. Just a simple glow-stick. A four inch hunk of plastic with some pale liquid inside. It is not until you crack the glow-stick that you break the clear inner vial. The two liquids swirl together and magically begin to glow.

And everyone around is drawn to the glow in the darkness.

I believe that is exactly what God wants to do with our brokenness. When we surrender to Him, and allow the Holy Spirit to flow into every crack and crevice of the “ugly” that has entered our lives, He will shine brighter than we can ever imagine. Somehow, our brokenness serves to allow more of God in our lives.

I believe your greatest misery will become your greatest ministry if you will just allow Him to shine through you.

If you’re like me and love visual aids, go to Wal-mart or the dollar store and pick up a few glow-sticks. As you crack a glow-stick, surrender your brokenness to Him anew, and watch the glow begin. As the hurt, fear, and confusion of life’s tough stuff mix with the grace and healing of His love, amazing things can happen. Might even be a perfect time to grab the kids and grandkids, put on some praise music and dance around bit, glow-sticks twirling!

As you spend time with the One who loves you best, may He fill up every crevice of your brokenness until you positively glow for Him.

Shine on, sweet sisters. Shine on.

Father God, what a wonderful reminder from Scripture today! Thank You for shining through our cracks and chips so others can see You through us. Our world is a crooked place. Help us never stop being a light in the darkness to point to You. Amen