Impressions of Light

About six months ago, I met a guy named Clint. He manages the Grease Monkey where my former job as an office services worker in the oil and gas company I work for required me to take in our company vehicles for oil changes. I was reading my Bible outside while an oil change was taking place one day, and Clint walked outside to talk with me. It was the first time I really had much of a conversation with him other than friendly chat when coming and going. That particular day, Clint and I started talking about the Word of God, I found out he was a Christian, and suddenly a brand new friendship took off. Over the next few months, I would talk to Clint at least once a week as I took vehicles in. We'd talk about Jesus, about struggles in our faith, about the Bible, and all sorts of other stuff. We got each other's phone numbers and started calling each other every now and then for encouragement and prayer together over the phone.

One day, on my way out the door, I grabbed an extra Life Journal sitting on the shelf in the living room. The Life Journal has a yearly Bible reading plan to go through and pages to respond to things God is speaking to you through the readings. I took it along with me to Grease Monkey when taking in a vehicle and gave the journal to Clint. The next thing I knew, he was devouring the Word of God like no one I've ever seen! Over the next few months, I was blown away at the changes I started to see in Clint. His excitement and passion for the Word seemed to be growing exponentially as he shared with me about what he was reading and learning, each time I saw him.

Last night I got a phonecall from Clint, whom I haven't seen in about 3 weeks. He shared with me how God is doing something very big and very new in him right now. He's been challenged to new levels of obedience and righteousness in His walk with the Lord, has been sharing with co-workers and friends like a madman, is helping disciple one of the other managers at Grease Monkey, and started up a Thursday-night Bible study. I could hear the authentic passion in his voice as he shared all this, and as he read to me from 2 Peter to describe things God is doing in His heart. That phonecall blessed me enormously.

It all started with an act of obedience. An off the cuff thing, really. God put it in my heart to encourage Clint in his faith, and I shared with him one of the things God has been doing to grow me (in this case, the Life Journal). It was by no means me, but the Holy Spirit who orchestrated all of this. And as a result of a simple act of obedience--giving somebody a journal and some words of encouragement--a life has been transformed, set on fire by the Lord, and many seeds are being planted. Thank You, Lord.

This brings to heart a verse that really challenges me anew each time I read it:

"You are the light of the world--like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:14-16

Lord, please shine Your light through me wherever I go. I long for my life to be nothing other than a light that You use to draw people to Yourself. May I never claim or receive the glory for what You are doing, but may I always give YOU the glory. I love You, Jesus!