Consider that when our lives are at their darkest is when there is the most possibility for God to shine. Angi shares.
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is mankind that You are mindful of them, human beings that You care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:3-5).
This past summer we took a family vacation to Sedona, Arizona. It had been nine years since we enjoyed such a luxury because I’m home-bound 95% of the time. Exposure to the sun inflames my organs because I have lupus.
So you can imagine our excitement that we actually departed! It was one of those “pinch yourself” moments.
There were two destinations that I did not want to miss: the Lowell observatory in Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon. It was nothing short of a miracle that I was able to join my family to experience the majesty of both.
Our evening at the observatory was crisp and clear. When it gets dark in Arizona . . . it really gets dark! The star studded night sky was incredible. It took our breath away and then it struck me:
Stars shine brightest in the darkest of night.
We saw five “shooting stars” in less than an hour and tiny satellites streaking across the sky as they orbited the earth. We viewed galaxies, clusters of planets, and even the rings of Saturn through powerful telescopes!
It was funny to see tourists, including us, walking around with our necks craned upward all evening.
The experience made me feel like the tiniest grain of sand on the seashore. It was hard to fathom, that in the vast expanse of the universe, He is interested in you and me!
He knows your name. And He loves us more than the stars that He calls by name.
Suffering friends, we shine brighter for Jesus in our darkest times because our pain causes others to take a closer look at us. He has chosen us to be those cities on a hill shining in the darkness for all to see. So they can see Jesus–the Light!
Prayer: Precious Lord, during the most painful and dark times, You are there. You are El Roi, “The God who sees. ” Lift up our weary heads and restore our joy, knowing that You chose this affliction to bring You glory. Give us strength to shine for You even in the dark. Amen.
About the Author:
Angie Dugi lives in Texas with her husband and their three teenagers. For almost two decades she has struggled with Lupus, Sjogrens, fibromyalgia, and RA. She loves to write and delights in telling others about Jesus. She is the author of “What I Learned Lying Down-Hope for the Chronically ill” and “GodSmiles.” You can find her blog at www.mygodsmiles.net
How can we, who suffer with chronic illness, be a light to others that walk in darkness? What are some ways that we can minister to others because of what we have endured?
If you have a few minutes watch this video of Louie Giglio explaining the universe and how amazing God’s creation is. It is a good reminder that if God took the time and the attention to such detail . . . how can we ever doubt He sees all and knows all–and cares–about the details in our own life. Be encouraged! -Lisa
GOOD MORNING ? LISA.
YOUR LIKE A SHINING STAR.
BRIGHTEST STAR…
ENCOURAGES PEOPLE LIKE ME.
GOD BLESSED YOU !
I EXPERIENCED DARKEST TIME.
BUT GOD LIFT ME UP. AND I
SMILED ; BECAUSE HE TEACH ME
TO LIVE BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT.
THANK YOU SO MUCH ? ? ?
So glad that you were encouraged Venus! You are right, our dark times teach us lean on the Lord and walk by faith. Blessings to you.
Great devotional, Angie! Thanks for the reminder that we shine brightest when it is the darkest. God bless!
Thank you sweet Julie. You are one of His shining stars! 🙂
Thank you sweet Julie. You are one of His bright stars! 🙂 Sending love to you, Angie
Angie…that was EXACTLY what I needed to read this morning. I came home from a discouraging medical appointment, cried, and then found your post. Thank you so much for being obedient in your ministry to the chronically ill. Perfect timing!
Dear Linda, you encouraged me more than you know today. I thank God for His perfect timing that always blows my mind. HE is amazing! May God bless you and comfort you. Psalm 3:3
Dear Angi,
I loved reading your devotional, and I’m looking forward to reading your books!! I also am from Texas…College Station.
Thank you for your love for Jesus and a ministry to the hurting, in the midst of your pain. It is glorifying our Lord❤️
Thank you Linda. Your encouragement is a blessing! We used to live a few miles from College Station in the small town of Brenham. I have many family members that are TAMU graduates. I hope the books bless you. They were all God’s idea, so HE receives ALL the glory!
Blessings to you from one Texan sister to another 😉
Angi, I just loved your devotional, not only for the perspective that you brought us, but the lovely visual images you gave us.
I love the Az sky at night too! I had the opportunity for 9 yrs to go there on mission trips on the Reservation. We said the same thing, how amazing the Stars look, and how dark the night was, it only made the stars that much more Clear and bright. I had forgotten that, as its been a while since I could go. So thank you for refreshing that memory and a bit of sweet JOY of that time, back to me. God bless. Di
Diane, thank you! What a blessing that you were able to to spend 9 years on a mission trip in Arizona. Glad I could bring back some memories. It was hard for us to leave t after 6 days. I even felt better there. Blessings to you.
Wow, this was so encouraging. God’s given you an amazing way with words. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Elisabeth. God bless you!
Angie, you had me with you immediately, right from the start, as I LOVE Psalm 8:3-5 for many reasons. Then the message was fabulous. Thank you 🙂
WOW! WOW! WOW! 3 wows cos: 1. WOW that you actually got to go on the trip with your family! 2. WOW that you got to go to both of the places you really wanted to visit with your family. 3. WOW that God gave you this very special message while you were there. I’m guessing that the message was greater & clearer due to your own dark times. Praise God that He uses the negative, tough & dark times in our lives for us to shine like bright stars for others to see. Thanks for this message that had me smiling during a tough time. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Kerryn, it was a HUGE miracle that i was even able to travel. A God ordained time. I’m so happy that it made you smile! Lots of love to you too <3
Hi Angie.
Like, Kerryn, I say “Wow!” What a privilege to go to those two places, especially given your health issues.
I’ve never been even close to Arizona. I’ve stayed pretty close to my beloved Canada. However, I have had some experiences that your star gazing reminds me of. Truly awesome ones. Like seeing the Northern Lights while paddling with friends across a calm lake at night. And one night, while visiting a family who lived “in the sticks” viewing the sky when the stars seemed so close I felt I could touch them.
Our great Creator and tiny me together observing some of his handiwork. It’s hard to find the words to describe how I felt. So I identify with your words.
Your prayer is also much what I’ve been praying lately. Let’s worship and adore him. He’ll do the rest.
Gentle hugs,
Beth
Hi Beth, it was definitely a WOW moment that I was able to travel. I’m glad we have pictures or I wouldn’t believe that I was really there. I cannot imagine seeing the Northern Lights. How blessed you are to have witnessed that!
God’s abundant blessings and hugs to you!