One thing I’ve learned is when God moves, we should talk about it.
A dear author friend once told me a story that left me both awed and convicted. She was driving when she noticed a man standing on a bridge. Something in her spirit told her he wasn’t just there to enjoy the view.
She stopped her car.
With the Lord’s help, she spoke with him, encouraged him, and got him the help he desperately needed. Over time, this man not only found healing but came to know Christ. He flourished in her church family, growing in his faith and becoming a vibrant part of the community.
One day, someone asked my friend how she knew this man. When she shared the miraculous story, another friend chastised her, quoting Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
My friend was taken aback. She had deliberately kept quiet about the story because she didn’t want the focus to be on her. But the rebuke made her stop and think. If we don’t share how God moves, how will others see His hand at work?
I struggle with this in my life as an author. Promoting my books feels awkward and unnatural, like I’m waving a sign that says, Look at me! But that’s not my heart.
I pour everything I have into my stories from praying over the words, laboring through the writing, rewriting, to editing, and editing again… and again… and again. Not because I want people to praise me, but because I want them to see Him.
If I hide my work, afraid of seeming self-promoting, how will anyone see the truth woven into the pages? How will they find encouragement or a whisper of God’s presence in the stories?
“If I hide my work, afraid of seeming self-promoting, how will anyone see the truth woven into the pages?”
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Matthew 5:16 doesn’t tell us to shine for our own glory. It tells us to shine so that others will glorify our Father in heaven.
So today, I challenge you—as I challenge myself—to share boldly what God has done. Not to elevate ourselves, but to lift high the name of Jesus.
Whether it’s a book, a testimony, a conversation, or an act of kindness, let’s shine. Because somewhere, someone needs to see that light to find their way to Him.
Shine Your Light
How have you seen God work through your willingness to share your story?
Shine your light and leave a story in the comments below. You never know who your light might guide.
To learn more about me and my statement of faith, you can check out my website. You can also see a list of my books and get a free book for your reading or listening pleasure.
Yes, this is how I am when I sing; as I prepare, my prayer is that folks will be drawn closer to God and to praise Him, not me. All we do should point to Him. Thank you for sharing this.
What a beautiful example.