"Now no one after lighting a lamp covers it over with a container, or puts it under a bed; but he puts it on a lampstand, so that those who come in may see the light. (Luke 8:16 NASB)
The word translated as "those who come in" is eisporeuomai. As you would expect, it means "to enter", but an alternate definition is "to be placed". This "coming in" involves more than just wandering through your area. The word denotes intention of proximity, but not necessarily personal intent. It may seem hard to believe, but not every one who crosses your path actually wants to do so. Some of the people who come into contact with you are there by divine design, rather than their own.
When a divinely-orchestrated encounter occurs, it may be the most amazing encounter of your life, but it is not always "warm and fuzzy". It is no less important in those difficult encounters to clearly demonstrate the truth of God in our lives. This God-light in us is to shine in such a way as to help those who are placed by God in our path to find their way, no matter how pleasant (or unpleasant) they are.
We are not the point of these encounters. That fire of God in us, shining the light of God, is the the objective. He is placing His person in the path of the flame He fastened to the lamp which He created and which is fueled by His Spirit. The objective is seeing Him more clearly. What is amazing about these divinely orchestrated encounters is not that God chooses to place someone in the path of the fire of God. What is amazing is that God chooses us as one of His instruments.
How useful are we as instruments in the hand of God? Are we available and willing to be used? Would we prefer to choose our encounters or do we embrace whatever and whomever comes our way?
Today, pray that we and our loved ones would allow the fire of God to shine brightly so that all with whom we come in contact would clearly see the path of God for them. Pray for hearts that are equally receptive to the most pleasant and the least pleasant person who comes our way.
-------
Don't forget to pray for the terrorist of the week, Nasir Al Wuhayshi, especially that his plans for evil would be thwarted.
-------
Praise: at last count, at least 60 of the Nigerian schoolgirls have escaped! Keep praying!
-------
Link to last night's guest post: http://leannahollis.blogspot.com/2014/07/friday-night-with-friends-greedy-chicks.html
No comments:
Post a Comment