Don't be found guilty of hiding, but rather courageously shining right where God has placed you.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that [b] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16 ESV)

I read a welcome page on an evangelical church website the other day that stuck with me. This fellowship was founded in an area known for being the center of a different religion and therefore in danger of persecution.

So they hid. They hid for over forty years.

During this time, the church did not grow and there were many people and pastors who came and went. And then a man of vision took leadership and led the people out of their captivity. He told them that the church should not be tucked away out of view, but rather be bold and be reaching out into the community.

Since then a new life has been breathed into the fellowship and while they still have struggles, they are bold in their faith and in their testimonies. Rather than fearing for their survival and building a fortress around their community, they have created a culture of outreach and evangelism.

Oh that we ourselves would not be guilty of hiding but rather courageously shining right where He’s placed us!

Father, thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit that empowers us to live courageous lives. Help us today to pull down the barriers and fears that so often encompass us so that we can reach out and share Your Truth with those who are lost. Amen!