Monday, November 7, 2016

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.

Eight lifestyle bloggers got together to share a Be the Light Challenge. This challenge is to encourage to share God's light and love online in social media. The challenge will run from Nov 1-8, 2016. Each day we will have a verse and inspiration to be the light. This comes at a great time when social media is filled with so much contention over election and other issues. How to disagree, how to love, how to be the light when there is so much fighting.

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.

Eight lifestyle bloggers got together to share a Be the Light Challenge. This challenge is to encourage to share God's light and love online in social media. The challenge will run from Nov 1-8, 2016. Each day we will have a verse and inspiration to be the light. This comes at a great time when social media is filled with so much contention over election and other issues. How to disagree, how to love, how to be the light when there is so much fighting.

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!

Eight lifestyle bloggers got together to share a Be the Light Challenge. This challenge is to encourage to share God's light and love online in social media. The challenge will run from Nov 1-8, 2016. Each day we will have a verse and inspiration to be the light. This comes at a great time when social media is filled with so much contention over election and other issues. How to disagree, how to love, how to be the light when there is so much fighting.

  Real Girl's Realm

10 comments:

  1. What a great week to do this!! I agree, my FB feed has not been one I've really wanted to read lately. I will be glad when tomorrow is over, so I don't have to see it all anymore! That bible printable that you made is a great verse, one of my favorites.

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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    1. Thank you Carrie! I was so glad to be a part of this! That verse is one of my faves too!

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  2. Great reminders, especially this week! I've pretty much just ignored my personal FB feed this week!

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    1. I agree! This week more than ever, we need some light and goodness!

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  3. Great post Mary! Funny, just before I read your blog post, I posted the same scripture on Facebook. God reminded me of it this morning. He wants us to put our trust in HIM not people. I always wondered why in the world the people in Samuel's time wanted a king when they had God. May we all want God first.

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    1. Thank you Diane! This verse is such a good reminder, especially this week!

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  4. I have been off fb for a while..for other reasons..but the drama is the one I don't miss most...in today's times we as followers need to stand strong and be His hands and feet and love each other...I love this post.,

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    1. I try to ignore most of the drama too Karen. Thanks for your kind words!

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  5. Grain of salt, since I am biased, but reading your Be The Light posts always gives me a better perspective and makes me feel better, too. Thanks!

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  6. Grain of salt, since I am biased, but reading your Be The Light posts always gives me a better perspective and makes me feel better, too. Thanks!

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