Who is the light of the world? I’m certain that if I asked that question to a group of Sunday schoolers, they would shout out “Jesus,” and they would be right… but not entirely. As strange as it seems, the real answer to this inquiry is that you and I are. Since our Savior left earth and ascended into Heaven, He placed within our hands the awesome responsibility of bringing His radiance to the world. In fact, Jesus says that we are like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden, and when we build our lives on Him, His light shines from our spirits and breaks through the darkness around us. Unfortunately, it feels like many people are living in a dark night during this season… and you might even be one of them. If you’re struggling to stay positive, I want to encourage you with this thought — the light within you is only visible when it shines through windows and cracks. If you’ve anchored yourself in the Lord but feel as if the world is closing in around you, though your tendency is to shut down and cloister yourself inside, that’s the worst thing you can do. You see, illumination is only evident when you let the world see the cracks in your life by opening a window to others. There’s no shame in admitting that you are struggling; in fact, your honesty might be the ray of light that radiates hope to someone else’s soul.

My friend, you are the light of the world, and you shine most brightly when you welcome people into your struggles. I know how hard this time has been for you and that your spirit has endured stretching and stirring like never before. Even so, God has not abandoned you, and He is working in your deepest parts to fortify your faith and strengthen your trust in His good plan. He is with you in your moments of greatest vulnerability, and He delights in showing Himself strong in your weakness. Don’t pull away from people in this season; rather, allow the light of the Lord’s presence to shine through the cracks of your pain and provide perspective to those enduring a similar plight. Find strength in connection, and your heart will be encouraged as you radiate hope to those who most desperately need to know the love of their Savior.