Just before Christmas, Jim and I purchased several individual solar lights that encircle the perimeter of the south and west sides of our farm home. No need for electrical wires. They aren't connected one to the other. We just shoved the stakes of the seven lights into the ground.
The lights are just there during the day. Soaking up any of the sun's rays which are available that day. But at night, they shine. How bright they are and how long they are on, depends on the day and how much light from the sun they have collected.
As I walked up the sidewalk last night, I thought, "Is this like us and our Christian lives? Are we to soak up God's love and all the things He has to offer during the bright, sunshiny days of our lives?
"But is it in the dark times, that we shine the brightest? Not because of any light that we might have on our own. But because we are simply reflecting the light that we are holding in reserve....from God and His Son Jesus? Is the Holy Spirit which resides in each of us as Christians, our 'solar' collector panel?"
We shine not because of who we are, but because of Who He is to and for us!
Dear Father in Heaven, helps us to be hearers and doers of the words that you speak to us! Helps us to believe what you tell us. And trust you.....whether the days are bright and sunny; or whether there is darkness of the night. You light the paths for both times of each day. Thank you. Amen