"Let Your Light Shine'

by Dr. Ann Pearson on October 12, 2020

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16

We are called by God to serve with the gifts that He has bestowed upon us. God uses the very least of these; the imperfect, the willing and the available ones to carry His message into the world. Jesus chose ordinary persons to be His disciples to carry His ministry forward after He ascended into Heaven. We all have been given a purpose and calling for God’s kingdom. How are you shining your light on others?

What helps me to remain focused on following in Jesus’s footsteps is to pray with resolve. I work daily toward letting prayer keep me guided in the direction of His will. There are three aspects in prayer that have helped me in my faith journey

First, fixing my eyes on Jesus. Remember when Peter took his eyes off Jesus when he was walking on the water. Peter began to sink when he looked down and didn’t keep his eyes on Jesus. Too often we fall when we don’t stay focused on the main thing.

Second, resting in God’s power. When we go into battle, sometimes feeling we are alone, God is with us. Recall the familiar story of David and Goliath. In David’s mind there was no way possible David could defeat the strongest biggest man that he had ever seen. But with God’s help, small David became the giant in allowing God to fight his battle.

Thirdly, give thanks in advance. Jesus is the remarkable example of a man who gave praise to his Father in so many ways. I give three examples of how Jesus praised His Heavenly Father in advance of the circumstances.

Jesus gave thanks as he was surrounded by thousands of hungry people and multiplied the food.

He gave thanks to God for hearing his prayer for the raising of Lazarus--before Lazarus rose from the grave.

He knew the cross was before him and gave thanks to the Father as he broke bread and drank the cup with the disciples.

We have a perfect example of righteous living from Jesus and one thing he shows us is the position of praise and thanksgiving. What appears in all three of these instances it seems there is no way the circumstances could be changed. The pressure to feed thousands, raise a friend from the grave, and face death on a cross would be intense and overwhelming for any of us. Jesus’ response was never to panic or run to people, but to turn to the Father.

God can do great things in the midst of uncertainty. When we trust in His all-knowing power there is no limit to what He can do.

Fixing our eyes on Jesus, resting in God’s power and giving thanks in advance can help you be the light of Christ for others. Find ways you can use your gifts and make a difference in the world today. God is cheering you on and pleased to have you serve Him.

Prayer:

Heavenly and Gracious Lord, daily we come to you seeking our path to be a witness for your kingdom. Help us to be more like thee by staying close to you and doing your will. Use our gifts to carry on your mission for the world. In Christ’s Holy Name. Amen

My Love and Prayers,

Ann

About the Author

Dr. Ann Pearson

Ann graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in Consumer Economics and household Equipment. She has a Masters in Science in Grief Counseling and Thanatology as well as a Doctorate in Philosophy of Pastoral Counseling and Thanatology from Breyer State University.

Her early professional career was spent working with the Tennessee Valley Authority in Knoxville, helping families of low income; working for the City of Charlotte Public Works Dept. and as a preschool teacher in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mobile and Fairhope AL. Ann has lived in Fairhope since 1986 where she immediately began serving in the youth department of Fairhope UMC. She joined the staff in 1990 as Youth Director, serving twice in this position and was also the interim Director of Children and Family Ministries for two years here! Ann had dual positions here at Fairhope UMC as Youth Director and Director of Caring Ministries which led to her becoming the full time Director of Caring Ministries in 2000. Ann loves her church family and appreciates the humble opportunity to be serving in this community. Ann has 2 children: daughter, Allison (Ryan) and son, Brad (Kate) and four granddaughters between the two! You will come to know she is passionate about University of Alabama Football, Grayton Beach and taking care of the people in this community by offering love, peace and God’s grace.

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