The Glow Stick

      I remember hearing a story of a mother and two children waiting to cash out in a line up at a store. One was an older child, and the other one was a toddler. The older boy had a pack of glow sticks, and the toddler was screaming for them. The Mom took the package and opened the pack and handed one of the glow sticks to the toddler. Instantly the toddlers tears stopped and replaced by the biggest smile. That was until the older child took the glow stick from the toddler.  The toddler started screaming again.

The mother turned to scold the older boy but before she could say anything the child, he bent the glow stick and handed it back to the toddler.

As they stepped outside the toddler noticed that the stick was now glowing.  His brother explained glow sticks serve one purpose. He explained he had to break the glow stick in order for the light to be released and at that moment the purpose for that glow stick was shown.

When I think of this story I can hear God saying, "I had to break you so you could shine. You had to go through it so you could understand your purpose."

We tend to be like that toddler who was happy just swinging that "unbroken" glow stick around in the air, because he didn't understand what it was created to do - which was "glow".

Too many times we don't know our full potential or our purpose. When bad things happen we tend to whine and complain because we don't understand. God uses these situations to open a door to something better. Sometimes things happen in order for us to get a better understanding of a circumstance.
Although some people are content just "being," others need to be "broken."

When trials come our way
It is in those moments of desperation, that we are being broken,  But... when the breaking is done, then we will be able to shine for him.

Matthew 5:16 says "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

  Wherever God has placed you, you’re there to shine like a glow stick. It is when we are broken that we are able to share hope, encouragement, exposure, and truth to those around us. 

God Is With Us

   

As we start a new year I find myself reflecting on the passed year. 2021 was a year of challenges and losses for me but it was also a year of blessings and miracles.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Just like Joshua I have days where I am struggling and noone seems to understand my battles and I feel that God is far from me, however I can take comfort knowing that "God is with me."

God also promises in Isaiah 43 that when we walk through the deep waters he will be with us. He will not let us drown and when we walk through the fire we will not be burned.

I can take comfort in these verses because I know no matter the situation that comes, and no matter my need he is there. If I need Strength, Peace, Hope, Love, Joy, or whatever my need is. He is there to give it to me. Phillipians 4:19 reminds me that "My God shall supply all my needs."

I may not know what this year has in store for me but I can take comfort in knowing that no matter what 2022 has instore for me. I will not walk through it alone. No matter the circumstances God promises to walk with me. I know that all I have to do is put my trust in him and he will do the rest.