How Great Is Our GodSample

CREATED TO SHINE

Pollux (POL-uhks) is a funny-sounding name for a very bright star. It’s located more than 33 light-years away from Earth. (Just one lightyear is almost 6 trillion miles, so Pollux is really, really far away!) This star is what scientists call a red giant. Giant because it’s so huge— about 10 times bigger than our Sun. It even has its own planet orbiting around it. And red because it is slowly burning itself up, giving off a reddish-orange light. But Pollux is perhaps best known for the way it shines— more than 30 times brighter than our Sun. For thousands of years, sailors have used this bright, shining star to guide them.

God created Pollux to shine. It doesn’t shine quite the same way as the Moon or the Sun, but it is still beautiful in its own way, just like everything God created— especially you. Now, there may be something about you that you think isn’t so beautiful or purposeful. But try to think of it this way: God created you on purpose, just the way He wanted you, from your head down to your toes. And then He stepped back and said, “Magnificent! Fantastic! Beautiful!” You are beautiful in your own fearfully, wonderfully, made- by- God way. And just like Pollux, God created you to shine.

How Great!

Just as Pollux’s bright light guides sailors on their way, you can guide others on their way to Jesus. How? Be kind when others aren’t. Be helpful when it isn’t easy. Do the right thing when others don’t. And when people ask you why you’re so different, you can tell them about the One you are following.

Prayer

God, teach me to see the beauty that You have created all around me. And especially help me to see the beauty that You have created in me.