Light of Christ pierces fog of life

When navigating the fog of life that blocks the light of God from unbelievers and believers alike – job, family obligations, social media, politics, finances – it is easy to lose sight of what God has to offer this lost world.

We as believers are called to cut through that fog with the light of salvation that is Jesus.

Even if all we can muster is a flicker of light, believe that is all Christ needs to pierce the fog and deliver hope and love to those who need Him.

Acts 13:47 – For so the Lord has commanded us:

“I have set you as a light to the Gentiles,
That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Now, disciple, what can you do today to deliver at least a sliver of light to someone wandering through the fog of life?

A kind word?

A simple, “Hello?”

How about, “Is there anything I can pray for you today?”

Shine on, disciple.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Breaking the stranglehold of worldly fog

In a discipleship training workbook, there is a cartoon depicting a fellow leaping into the air, fist pumping high, eyes closed and a huge smile on his face. He’s not a super athlete or a rock star – nobody famous. It’s obvious he’s just an average guy who is ecstatic about his faith in Jesus so much so that he can’t contain his spontaneous celebration as he desires to share the Gospel with others.

I envy him.

I’m rarely that guy.

I want to be, but some days the fog of this world seems endlessly suffocating. I want very much to celebrate like that guy and let my goofy smile be a beacon of joy to others – all the time.

So, when the stranglehold of the fog seems unbearable, I turn to what I know.

Prayer first.

Ask God for help.

He hasn’t gone anywhere; He is with you.

And read a familiar Bible passage.

I can always turn to Proverbs 3:5-6 –

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your paths straight.”

After I look to God, the light that is Jesus pierces that fog of life and I can feel His love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I can then stand a little taller.

I may not jump high, but I will get to a renewed spirit where I can at least say quietly to myself, “Oh, yeah. Let’s go.”

And His light guides me to the next opportunity to offer a sliver of light to someone who needs Christ in a very real way. It’s wondrous how the Holy Spirit will provide simple directions when needed.

As I think of that ecstatic guy, I find that the Holy Spirit’s guidance often settles over me and lifts my spirit higher through song (and, no, I can’t sing well), even occasionally a children’s song I haven’t heard in a long time. I don’t always remember all the lyrics, but I remember just enough:

This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.

Everywhere I go,
I'm gonna let it shine.

Simple, and a smile stretches across my face as I see a break in the fog.

Now, disciple … let Jesus shine in you.

Blessings,

Shawn Ankrom

P.S. Each week the goal is to provide the newsletter midweek and keep the insights short and, hopefully, an enlightening boost to get you through the day and the rest of the week until you get to church on Sunday.

P.S.S. If Now, Disciple has blessed you today, please share with your friends as we grow our reach to more believers who could use a little extra encouragement.