Though None Go With Me

A friend was sharing with me this week about her daughter's first semester in college. The family had hoped to send their daughter to Christian university. However, due to financial constraints, the daughter is attending a state university. She's doing well, but it's obvious she stands out in the crowd like a beacon of light to a dark world

“Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be completely lighted, as when the light of a lamp shines on you.” (NIV) Luke 11:36.

She shines brightly and those around her take notice. One day, her political science instructor asked a relatively easy question, that most  Christians should have been able to answer. She was the only one who raised her hand. The professor was dumbfounded that she was the only one who dared to answer. We're in Texas. We're in the middle of the Bible belt, yet only this one girl was brave enough to stand and answer his question.

One day, she and another girl were walking across campus. Both have long hair and both were dressed like everyone else on campus, yet someone approached them and said, “You must be home-schooled.” They were indeed home-schooled through elementary, junior high and high school, but they looked like everyone else on campus. What was it about this young girl and her friend that made them stick out in the crowd?

Since the beginning of the semester, that same girl has had two Muslims and one atheist approach her with curiosity and she has befriended all of them and they openly communicate one with another. However, these other girls are not trying to dissuade her from being a Christian. No, they're listening to her as she explains what Christ means to her and what God has done in her life. It is apparent God is using this young girl as a light in a dark world. 

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (NIV) Matthew 5:16 

“For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (NIV) 2 Corinthians 4:6 

“For it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (NIV) Ephesians 5:14

How might God use you today? Would you be able to stand up and answer a question you knew the answer too, even if none of your friends who knew the answer stood by you? Would you be-friend those around you who were different? Does your daily life speaks volumes about your relationship with God even if you don't speak.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (NIV) Deuteronomy 31:6

God tells us in scripture more than eleven different times to be strong and courageous. He reminds us He's always with us and we are never alone. We never walk alone and we never work alone. Even if none go with me, I still will follow. Will you?

I Have Decided To Follow Jesus ( In A Whole New Style). Think outside the box.