Be the Light Challenge - Trust

If you caught my announcement post a couple of weeks ago, you will know I am joining 7 other lifestyle bloggers in a Be the Light Challenge, where we are sharing stories of encouragement during election week.

When I turn on the news, there are times I struggle to see God's plan in the brokenness around the world.   I have even un-followed some of my Facebook friends recently because I was tired of getting sucked into the drama.  Between political attacks and people airing their dirty laundry, it is almost too much to take.  Even if I was not participating in the comments, I was still reading them and it would dampen my mood.  Many times we let petty differences get in the way of us showing God's love and light, especially online, where you can hide behind a screen.

This is when I turn to my Bible and verses of encouragement like Proverbs 3:5.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.

Our Sunday school lesson this past week was from I Samuel 8, about the Israelites not trusting God to provide and I feel like it is relevant for today.  During the time of Samuel (and judges,) the people cried out for a King.  They were not satisfied with God's provision and rule; they wanted a human King like other nations.  Samuel prayed to God and then tried to talk some sense into the people, warning them of issues a King would bring. Since they are human, like us, they did not listen, so God gave them what they wanted...a King.  I feel like we all get caught up in our wants vs our needs and lose sight of our calling to show God's love to others through our actions.

So how can we be the light?

• Pray - Pray for discernment on what decisions to make and what you should say.  Pray for those that God has put in office...even if you do not like them. (Philippians 4:6-7)

• Do not engage in arguments - Yes, there are times when we should stand up for what we believe in (like Jesus turning over the money changer's tables at the Temple) but we should refrain from petty arguments that will not further God's plan. (2 Timothy 2:23)

• Focus on our Calling - We should be showing God's love to others, and if that means turning a cheek to ugly comments so be it.  Ask yourself "What would Jesus do?" (Matthew 5:13-20)

I know sometimes your personal situation or the state of the world can seem hopeless, but we have a choice today.  We can live in fear and worry or we can trust God and be encouraged, while sharing that encouragement with others.

I created a free printable for you to use in your Bible journaling or just to print out and display for encouragement. Right click on the image and save to your computer.




Use the hashtag #bethelightchallenge and share your stories of encouragement on social media. Don't forget to check out my everyone's posts and get their freebies too!  Make sure you also join our Be the Light Facebook Group to to get your daily dose of encouragement and share your stories too!

  SalvageSister & Mister

  11 Magnolia Lane

  An Extraordinary Day

Plum Doodles

 Blessed Lonestar Mess

  At the Picket Fence

  Real Girl's Realm

  The Homemakers Journal