Originally posted in BobbyQuitain.Com
by Bobby Quitain
“…When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely, it is put on a lampstand…” (Mark 4:21)
“There are so many ads of apartments up for lease…” I uttered as my wife and I drove by the curve. Jeng smiled, “I think you just notice them now because we are thinking of investing in real estate.”
I guess she was right.
It’s not the case that more apartments have been for rent lately. It’s just that my wife and I have been extra observant of those kinds of ads recently simply because over the past months, we have been praying about buying a condominium unit or apartment. In a sense, you can say that recently we have been actively on the look-out for opportunities to invest.
Sometimes, I wish that I can be as active in terms of looking out for opportunities to let God’s light shine on those around me.
“…When the light comes, is it to be put under a tub or a bed? Surely, it is put on a lampstand…” (Mark 4:21)
“Lampstands” are the many opportunities that God gives us daily so that we can let our light shine before others. These “lampstands” are all over us.
That beggar who sits by your doorstep.
That streetchild who tapped on your windshield last night.
That officemate who was just left by her husband for another woman.
That new leadership position in your organization which now gives you the chance to organize an evangelistic event in your office.
Friend, you are God’s light. And God is calling you to be sensitive to all the “lampstands” — opportunities — He sends your way everyday. Make use of them. Maximize them. Take advantage of them.
The opportunity comes in many forms. But sometimes, the most effective ”lampstands” are those that stand in the midst of pitch-black darkness. It is where the light can shine the brightest.
Our wedding principal sponsor and sister from our prayer group comes to mind. Her name is Ate Roseanne.
Ate Roseanne is a beautiful woman blessed with a very loving husband and two lovely daughters. She is a gifted speaker and writer with an exceptionally humble heart. But while she is known for what she has, she is more known for what she hasn’t — a healthy body. You see, Ate Roseanne has been afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis for over two decades now. Yet despite her sickness, she continues to love and serve God with everything she’s got. That is the reason why her burden has been eclipsed by her faith.
Ate Roseanne has a very unlikely lampstand: multiple sclerosis.
But this lampstand is one of the best lampstands anyone could have. Once Ate Roseanne was placed on it two decades ago, her light has shone brightly and unceasingly. It has enlightened not only her own life, but more importantly those around her, including this writer. And there are more stories of people I know whose faith shone brightly when placed on the lampstands of pain, fear and suffering.
How about you? Are you going through some difficult moment right now in your life? Is it sickness? Or unemployment? Or insecurity? Or the loss of a loved one? Or unconquerable worry?
Friend, that is your lampstand. This is the best time to shine. To keep your joy. To witness with your faith. To remain faithful in the midst of a trial. To forgive despite the injustice. To love without reciprocity. To continue inspiring and blessing others.
Make good use of your “lampstands”. They are there for a very, very good purpose.
P.S. By the way, I am part of a ministry called “Lampstand Inspirations”, the goal of which is to bring God’s light through retreats, recollections, motivational seminars and other inspirational events. ”LI” serves parishes, prayer groups, communities, churches and companies. If you are interested to know more about “LI”, check here. Hope to be given the opportunity (lampstand) to serve you and your group, my friend!
To let your light shine the brightest…for your God.
prayersofapilgrim.com 