SHINE ON REGARDLESS

Years ago, I was flying back from Calcutta, India after a 10 day tour in Asia. I was VERY weary and tired after a long flight, some 33 hours including layovers. As we neared Jacksonville Florida, the pilot came on the speaker and said, “There has been a storm in Jacksonville that has knocked the lights out. There are no lights on the runway; we are going to fly on to Orlando. You will have to make new plans to get home from there.” My heart sunk, being exhausted from jet-lag, plus thinking about adding an additional four hours to our travel time.

 Just how important were the lights on the runway that night? Truth was, as experienced as he was, the pilot couldn’t land the plane without LIGHTS. There is something powerful about light. It was in the beginning of creation that God said, “Let there be light.” This world was without form, empty and full of darkness. Everything changed when he spoke those words, “Let there be light.” (Genesis 1:3)

         This should remind every born again believer that just like the earth, we too were without form, empty and full of darkness. I don’t know where I would be today had not the Light of God shined into my own life. Saul was turned into another man (Paul) when a Great Light shined in his life on the Damascus Road (Acts 9).

                       I challenge you to Shine on Regardless of your:

·                Shakings… God says that in Hebrews 12:27 one day everything that     can be shaken will be shaken. You may face “shakings” in your finances, marriage, job, health, kids and your dreams in life. Friend, be determined to let your light shine even in these times, regardless!

·                Storms… They are part of life. Nowhere in the Bible does God promise us that if we come to Him, our lives will be exempt from winds of adversity and difficulty. God says, “Count it all joy when you fall into ‘divers temptations’, or different types of tests. (James 1:2)

·                Seasons… God says, “To everything there is a season.” (Eccl 3:1)  Many people get confused and disoriented in the different types of season of life. Approach every season in your life with the fact that if God is for you, who can be against you? Approach life with the knowledge that “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” (Isaiah 54:17)

·                Stress… Paul says, “We are pressed on every side but not crushed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8) Make up your mind that God is watching over you regardless of your nightmares in life. He can use your dilemma to encourage somebody else that there is power to get through their struggle.

Now, for the rest of the story on our flight to Jacksonville, Florida. Within ten minutes I heard the sweetest words from our pilot. “Lights have been restored to JIA; we are turning back. We now have lights to land us safely onto the runway.” Are you the Light for someone today who is weary, tired, discouraged, and disoriented in life?  Jesus says,” You are the light of the World.” (Matthew 5:14) I encourage you every day in every situation in life to Keep Shining Regardless.

Shine On Regardless - video message