“Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.”
-Psalm 43:3
 
At one time or another, you have been picked on because of your beliefs. You have family members or frenemies who make fun of you because you go to church, because you read your Bible, because you share your faith.

Let me tell you something: The more great things you’re doing for God, the more people are going to go out of their way to criticize you. Do you know any wonderful women or men of God who have no critics? I already know you don’t. Everybody who’s doing great things for God has people who are criticizing them.

The enemy doesn’t want you to shine your light. You understand that, right? He’s going to try to take your identity, he’s going to try to reeducate you, he’s going to try to snuff you out, he’s going to try to mock you, he’s going to try to beat you, he’s going to try to bully you, but you’re going to continue to shine bright because that’s who you are.

Prayer: Dear Lord, despite those who try to discourage me, I will lean on you for strength. I will draw on the light of your Spirit as I share your love with others who need you, too. Amen.

Reflection: Who discourages you? How do you remain strong as they try to bring you down?