Week 2: Taking the Light Outside

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

— Matthew 5:14,16 (NIV)

One of the most convicting parts of doing an in-depth Bible study is that the Lord always reveals something about me that I’d rather not see. It's easy to feel like a strong, grounded Christian when I’m at home, Bible open, worship music playing, and peace all around. But the moment I step outside—especially when work starts throwing chaos my way—my attitude shifts.'

Suddenly, patience runs thin. Frustration bubbles up. And let’s be real… I start looking less like Christ and more like someone who’s forgotten what Sunday morning even felt like. I’ve had days when my words didn’t just miss the mark—they sounded like I never met Jesus at all.

It’s not a challenge to follow Jesus in our quiet spaces. But it is a challenge to carry His light into the noisy, messy, frustrating parts of everyday life. This study has been a powerful reminder: the more I try to handle difficult moments on my own, the more tangled and dark my circumstances become. When I rely solely on myself to push through trials, I start walking in my own dim shadow instead of the brightness of His presence.

But here's our hope: Jesus is still the Light of the world. And He’s not surprised when we struggle. He invites us to bring every ounce of anger, frustration, impatience, and brokenness to Him. He doesn't shame us—He strengthens us. He reminds us to put on the full armor of God. He calls us to fight not with sharp words or silent grudges, but with prayer, truth, and peace.

So if you’ve been feeling like your light has been flickering lately, you’re not alone. But don’t stop there. Take your burdens to Jesus. Confess the struggle. Let Him be your strength. Let Him shine through you—even when people are grating on your last nerve.

As we step into Day 8 of this journey, remember this: our hope is in Jesus, the Light who never goes out. And when we lean on Him, even in our weakest moments, He shines through us in ways we could never manage on our own.

Where in your daily life do you find it hardest to reflect the light of Christ—and what might change if you surrendered that situation to Him?

With love and friendship,

Maria