By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
“I’m going to light you today,” said the match to the candle.
“Light me?” the candle whispered afraid. “If you do that I’ll start to die. I’ll slowly burn away, and it will hurt.”
The match paused for a moment then gently replied, “You’re right, burning hurts and yes it will cost you. But tell me something, what’s the point of being a candle if you never shine? Do you really want to spend your whole life like this? Cold, hard, untouched, but never having lit up anyone’s darkness?”
The candle looked down, “Then you’ll burnout, too,” it said softly.
“I know” the match answered with a fading smile, “my flame is small my time is short but if I can pass it on to you then I’ll have done what I was made for. I was born to start the fire you were born to carry it, to shine, to bring warmth to be a light in the dark.”
The candle trembled, afraid, but something inside her flickered. She looked at the match whose flame was almost gone and said, “OK light me,” and in that moment a beautiful flame came to life right there and even though both knew it wouldn’t last forever, for the first time it was worth burning.
Sometimes in life you must walk through fire. It’s painful, it changes you, but only through the burning do we discover what we’re really made of. Only then do we shine. Remember the fire that transforms you doesn’t destroy you. It ignites you and love is the flame that gives us purpose. You are not on fire to break; you’re on fire to become.
Being the “light” in the Bible symbolizes living in a way that reflects God’s goodness, truth, and love, guiding others out of darkness and into His presence.
In the Bible, light is a powerful metaphor representing goodness, truth, and the presence of God, while darkness symbolizes sin, ignorance, and separation from Him. The concept of being “light” is rooted in various scriptures, including:
Ephesians 5:8: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” This verse emphasizes that believers are called to embody the light of Christ in their lives.
Matthew 5:14-16: Jesus states, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” This passage highlights the responsibility of Christians to reflect God’s light through their actions.
Living as “light” means to live intentionally and purposefully, demonstrating kindness, compassion, and truth in daily interactions.
We should reflect God’s love by showing love and kindness to others, treating them as you would like to be treated. This reflects the character of God and draws others to Him. Actively participate in good deeds that glorify God. This can include helping those in need, sharing your faith, and being a source of hope and encouragement. Uphold biblical truths in your life, making choices that align with God’s Word, even when faced with societal pressures. Use your experiences and faith to help others navigate their spiritual journeys, illuminating their paths with the truth of the Gospel.
Amen! So be it!
JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.
