“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord . . .” (2 Tim 1:7-8 NIV)

Rising above adversity is humanly impossible, unless we have our eyes fixed on the One who sustains us. Today we will discover three individuals who are just like you and me. However they never let adversity stand in the way of them serving God, and because of this, each time adversity hits them, they rise above the circumstances. They can boldly declare: “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isa 40:31 NIV)

First of all I would like to introduce to you Beryl, from India, who is our prayer coordinator at Answers2Prayer. As with many of our volunteers, her focus is on Jesus. She was going to be away for 2 weeks, and I offered to do her part of the ministry for these two weeks. Her answer was simple and to the point: “I have no problem taking care of the ministry because this is the only way I can give some time for God and I love to do this. I have seen God’s blessing in my life and my family’s life by giving time to the living God.”

She is one of those who shines, Shines, SHINES. All because her priority is to serve God no matter what happens in life.

Another of our volunteers Sammy, from Kenya is one of our Associate Directors in Bible Studies. At times he receives more than ten bible questions per day. Answering these questions takes time from his busy schedule, but here is his take on this: “Rob, I literally thrive on these questions! Let them come . . .”

He is another one of those who shines, Shines, SHINES the glory of the Lord.

One of our subscribers, Joyce from the United States, went through tremulous times. Her very son was dying from colon cancer, and at age of 32, he succumbed. But before his death, he experienced Jesus in all of his glory, and he died with a smile on his face. How hard it is to lose a loved one, even though we know they are in a much better place, with the best company ever!

A couple of weeks after the funeral, Joyce, wrote me the following note:

“Just a while ago I went to the shop at a local business. I know all the ladies there quite well as I have shopped there since our move to this town over 4 years now almost 5.

“Anyway, the manager’s father had been going through cancer as well, only to find out that he passed away two weeks ago. I felt in my spirit that she and her mom are having a really difficult time, so I knew to simply listen.

“I have found already three people in this town that have lost love ones. They offer their condolences about Kenny and then proceed to talk nonstop about their own sorrow. God is showing me to be that listening ear they desperately need.

“An employee came to me moments later and apologized for her nonstop talking about her dad when Kenny had passed away recently as well. I reassured her that it was fine, as I knew to listen. It is the faith that we have in Jesus Christ that makes the difference. The faith is one of a relationship, not merely attending worship and doing good deeds.

“So it is Rob already God is showing me amazing opportunities for Kenny’s departure to make a difference.

“Yesterday I received an e-mail from an Alive Hospice volunteer who I grew very close to while Kenny was a patient. She shared the difference our family had made upon the families there as well as the employees. Her message blessed our hearts knowing that our faith had been shared in such ways that God had been glorified. The MAIN DESIRE and Passion of Kenny’s heart throughout his entire journey was that God be glorified. That same statement described ours as well.”

Praise God for Joyce! She also shines, Shines, SHINES, and its God’s love that is reflected in her life.

We could have introduced many others who let God shine through them, but what is of more importance to you is for you to ask yourself: Do I let God shine through me, no matter my circumstances?

It sure is a beautiful day today, even though the storms on the horizon seem quite threatening. It doesn’t matter, for all we have to do is climb up the ladder of faith to where the Son always shines!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “Only in Jesus” devotional series, please click here.)