Shevotionals: Overcoming and Becomingনমুনা

Shine With No Apology

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Mt 5:16 NLT

I remember attending a particular worship conference earlier this year. Initially, I was reluctant to go because I just felt like I had attended so many events but was still yet to see any significant change in my life. Besides, time was far spent, and I wondered if it was still worth going. I simply didn't feel up to it. However, after a compelling appeal from a sister of mine, I conceded.

I arrived at the conference as the first interval ended. I showed my registration details at the front desk and was given a gold wristband. I explained that many of the other attendees that I know, who were already queuing for the second interval, were wearing another colour wristband. I was adamant that giving me a gold wristband must have been a mistake. The lady insisted that the gold wristband was for me. I went to join the back of the queue while those I knew who had arrived much earlier, had secured their places at the front of the queue.

The time came for the double doors into the auditorium to be opened. Two women stood at the opening and called out for ‘priority gold’ holders to come forward. Well, of course, as I knew that most were not wearing gold bands, I was reluctant to lift my hand, but I did, and was called to the front.

On my way to the front, I felt ‘widened’ eyes on me and I caught glimpse of the ‘double takes’ as I passed. Dear sister, the Lord reminded me about this experience for a specific reason and I need to share it with you.

When I was coming from the back towards the open double doors, I began to ‘give an explanation’ for my 'advancement' to the front- something along the lines of: "I did ask for the same wristband as you, but..."

Can you just imagine? Instead of me to thank God for accelerated entry, I was inadvertently apologising to those around me for my unexpected swift departure (or shall I say arrival!)

You see, when God wants to sift and shift you, it will prove to be very uncomfortable, you may even feel like what He is doing is beyond anything you deserve. Yes, you may feel as if you are an imposter. Beloved sister, I appeal to you today to start seeing yourself as God sees you (Mt 5:14-15). You deserve all that He has for you. This is not to say that those around you do not deserve it, but when it’s your time and your turn, go forward and don't you dare apologise for it!

It's never too late to shine. Shine with no apology!!

Prayer:

When my time and my turn come, I will not doubt my eligibility for greatness. Lord, usher me into a flow of supernatural acceleration that will charge me up and shift me into the ‘glow-ry place’. I will not hide anymore. My light will shine before others, and they will see what God has placed inside of me and give God ALL the glory!

I am overcoming and becoming.