Two and a Half Acres of FaithSample

Day 7: I’m in Hawaii:

Congratulations! You’ve made it to the seventh and final day of this faith journey! Today, we’re reflecting on how every step of Sterling and Jean Miller’s story—from heartbreak to hope—has shown God’s faithfulness and the power of shining His light in every season.

Sterling and Jean Miller’s story wasn’t just about enduring trials and celebrating triumphs. It was about their unwavering commitment to reflect God’s love and light to others, no matter what life brought their way. Jean embodied this calling even in the most challenging moments of her life. When she was hospitalized and gravely ill, surrounded by machines and sterile walls, she chose to focus not on her suffering but on her purpose. Occasionally, her grandchildren would ask her how she was, and Jean’s response was simple yet profound: “I’m in Hawaii.”

To Jean, her hospital bed wasn’t a place of despair—it was an opportunity. Her perspective wasn’t bound by her physical surroundings but rooted in her eternal purpose. Jean understood that as long as she had breath, she had a mission: to share the hope and love of Jesus with those around her. She knew that wherever she was, she could be a light in the darkness, pointing people to the joy and peace found in Christ. To her, that was paradise. It was her version of being in Hawaii, a state of mind where the beauty of God’s calling overshadowed her pain.

Matthew 5:14-16 captures Jean’s approach perfectly. She refused to hide her light, even in difficult circumstances. Her hospital room became a place where nurses, doctors, and visitors encountered a joy and peace that could only come from God. Jean’s faithfulness to her assignment was an inspiration—not only to her family but to everyone who crossed her path.

Her story didn’t stop there. My father, JoBeth, and I honored her unwavering faith by living out her example, celebrating her as a mother, grandmother, and woman of God who let her light shine brightly until the very end. On a Mother’s Day that reflected the essence of Jean’s life, our family gathered to thank her for the legacy she was leaving. They celebrated her ability to see every situation as an opportunity to glorify God and remind others of His love.

Jean’s story is a powerful reminder that we don’t have to wait for perfect circumstances to be a light for Christ. Whether we’re in a hospital bed, a challenging workplace, or the comfort of our own homes, God calls us to reflect His love and hope. Our perspective can transform even the hardest places into opportunities to glorify Him.

Take time today to reflect on your own life. Are there challenging circumstances where God is calling you to shine His light? How can you change your perspective to see opportunities instead of obstacles? Pray for the strength to live with a kingdom mindset, trusting that God can use you to make an eternal impact, no matter where you are.

God’s light shines brightest when we choose to reflect it in the midst of trials. Like Jean, we can turn any situation into an opportunity to share His love and hope with those around us. Trust Him to work through your story, and let your light shine so that others may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

On January 4, 2012, my mother passed away. Over her forty-four years of ministry, she had seen countless prayers answered. She had witnessed miracles unfold before her eyes. Our prayers, if rooted in faith, can outlive us.

Thank you for joining me on this 7-day journey of faith inspired by Sterling and Jean Miller’s incredible story. I pray this plan has encouraged and inspired you to live out your faith boldly, shine God’s light, and trust His perfect plan. You can dive deeper into their story and discover even more about walking in faith by reading my new book, Two and a Half Acres of Faith, at https://jaysmiller.com/.