How Are Christians Uniquely Able to Shine Light in Difficult Times?

How Are Christians Uniquely Able to Shine Light in Difficult Times?

When the troubles and storms of life roll in causing people to feel overwhelmed, fear of unchartered territory and worry sets in. It begins to feel as though all hope is lost. Yet it is in those dark moments when Christians have a unique opportunity to represent the love and light of Jesus. We are called to let our light shine in the world. We are instructed to be a light in a world that is imperfect, filled with pain and tragedy, and one in which the spiritual battle between good and evil rages on. Light is important because it guides, comforts, and overpowers darkness.

“[Jesus said,] ‘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).

Let’s take a look at seven ways we are able to shine a light in difficult times:

Photo credit: Pixabay/PIRO4D

1. Because We Know That This Is Not How God Created it to Be

Sunset over a field of flowers

“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).

As Christians, we have the whole story. God actually created a perfect and grand world for us to reside in. He had abundance, and goodness, and righteousness planned for humanity. As believers, we have a full perspective because we know that God did not create an evil world. God loves us, and we are cherished and treasured, even when times get tough. When we allow joy to take root in our hearts regardless of our circumstances, we shine light in a dreary world.

2. Because We Know That Difficulties Are Part of the Fallen, Sinful World

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Believers know the story of humankind from God’s word, which teaches us that we can expect tragedies and hardships because of the sinful nature of humanity. Yet Jesus taught a radical message that even though we will suffer, we can still have peace because the difficulty is never where our story ends.

Jesus overcame the world and all the tribulations each of us will face. He already died for them on the cross. We are not held captive to the brokenness, rather we can have real and lasting peace because, through Jesus, all troubles have been conquered. When we walk in peace, we shine light in a world of chaos.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Malachi Brooks

3. Because We Have a God Who Entered into Our World and Personally Knows the Human Experience of Suffering

Jesus on the cross

“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3).

God is not distant, and He is not far removed from our world, our lives, or our experiences. Jesus became incarnate and dwelt among us. He knows firsthand of tragedy and destruction. He understands the suffering, pain, and challenges we face. We were created by a God who loves us and completely understands what we go through. We as believers can shine by sharing this message of hope and clinging to God when times get tough.

4. Because We Know That God Uses Difficult Times for Our Good

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4).

When you find yourself in the middle of a difficult season in life, you can still shine your light and be content, knowing that what you are going through is going to be made good and right by God. It is in the valleys that God teaches us. Often, when we are going through challenges, those are the times in life when we grow closer to Jesus. We learn through our difficulties to be more compassionate, loving, and develop our ability to let our light shine to help others.

The hard times in life give us an opportunity to put our faith into action and surrender to God’s perfect plans. We can shine by having confidence that everything we go through is not in vain but part of God’s will.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/mbolina

5. Because We Have Assurance That God Will Deliver Us

Hands open on a Bible

“For human help is worthless. With God we will gain the victory” (Psalm 108:12-13).

Even if your prayers are not answered in the way you had hoped, even if the situation does not work out how you would have wanted, God will still answer. God will still deliver those of us who call upon his name.

What we come to find out in life is that everyone else will disappoint us. We are not saved by the hand of any human being, rather, it is God alone who gives us freedom and victory over every obstacle and difficulty. God’s word reminds us time and time again that he will deliver those who seek his help. When we surrender, we shine our light brightly by putting our trust in God.

6. Because the Spirit Empowers Us to Do So 

“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16).

It may seem impossible to shine the light of Christ during certain difficult circumstances. Be encouraged that we do not shine from our own power, but from the Spirit working in us. When we feel weak, God provides the strength we need. When we can’t see clearly, God guides our steps. When we can’t make sense of our trials, God speaks truth over us. Our trust in God enables us to encourage others and shine a light for Jesus through the power of the Spirit.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wenping Zheng

7. Because We Know That This Is Not Our Home

woman eyes closed facing sky, how wonder can help you break free from fear

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

What great encouragement we find in Scripture. The trials we go through are not ignored or reduced. Rather our hardships are acknowledged, and we are reassured that God will get us through to our eternal home when we have accepted the gift of salvation. We have an eternal life with God awaiting us that will be free of pain, sadness, and suffering. We can shine now and here on earth because our current tragedies will not compare to the glorious eternal life that is to come.

Shine Brightly

When the walls are caving in, whether that is happening in your personal life, or the world around you, we as Christians are called to let our light shine brightly. God asks us to be light in a world that is dark and hurting. We can shine because Jesus is the light of the world who ushers in peace, hope, and provides ripe ground for goodness to weave its way into the most heinous of stories and the hardest of times. When things get tough, remember, as a believer you can let your light shine in a world that is deeply in need.

Related articles
How Can We "Let Our Light Shine"?
How to "Be Still and Know I am God" (Even During Hard Times)
20 Powerful Prayers for Peace during Difficult Times

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Doucefleur

Pamela Palmer 1200x1200Pamela Palmer is a writer, speaker, and the founder of upheldlife.com, the platform on which she produces devotionals and faith resources to inspire keeping faith at the center of life. She is in pastoral ministry and gets to share in the emotional and spiritual lives of others. She lives and thrives on Jesus, coffee, and music. She is the author of Living a Deeper Faith: Nurture Your Relationship with God and Live a Faith-Fueled Life. Pamela married the perfect man for her and they have two beautiful kiddos. She has been published on herviewfromhome.com, and you can follow her at upheldlife.com or on Facebook.com/upheldlife.