Share the LightSýnishorn

Your Presence Has Impact 

Do you ever feel discouraged by another person? Do you have someone in your life who pushes the boundaries, speaks dis­respectfully, or sabotages your plans? This is certainly how Katy felt in her relationship with Sol. In fact, one of the most common themes of darkness in our world is a sense of discouragement as we interact with someone close to us. Weariness can so easily creep into the daily grind of our endeavors with them. 

Even if there are frustrating stretches, though, even if that antag­onistic person refuses to cooperate, and even if your plans for them fall flat or your dreams for them escape your control, your presence day after day, week after week, or even year after year, will have a positive effect. 

God’s work in a person’s life is often long-term. Your presence is a reinforcing reminder of that life-changing truth. 

More than just about any profound thing you could say, or any great question you could ask, others need you to be there. They may not realize it today, but in time they might discover how much they needed you. With stress and upheaval in a person’s life, your consis­tency speaks more loudly than you probably realize in the midst of disappointing times.

Shine the Light

1. Katy’s consistent presence in Sol’s life became one of the primary reasons Sol was able to turn his life around. Describe the feelings and experiences Katy had to endure during this journey with Sol.

2. Consider how God has not given up on you. In what ways has he always been present in your life, even during those times when you didn’t notice?

3. Do you have someone in your life who wears you down? What causes you to grow weary of them? What do you feel you need to help you not give up?

4. Over the long term, what is your prayer for that per­son? Pause right now to pray.

Dear Jesus, I need your strength. I cannot carry the burden of others on my own. Give me wisdom to pace myself and grace to be patient. Give me stamina to continue doing good for those you put on my heart. Amen.

Share the Light

In a nice basket, bring some healthy snacks to your local firehouse or police station, with a note that says “Share the Light” or a Bible verse like the one above. If you have children, ask them to contribute drawings showing these service providers doing their jobs well, or some other decorations, and then tape them to the basket! Share your experiences on social media with #LTBL (let there be light).

For more devotions like these, check out Share the Light: 40 World-Changing Devotions by Sam and Kevin Sorbos at http://www.samsorbo.com .