faith unfaded

I came across a verse today that I’d never really pondered before.

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3

It was as if the Lord had handed me a key to unlock a mystery I could never quite explain.

Quite simply, my IQ rises when I’m walking closely with the Lord. That’s not opinion, it’s fact. I can answer more Jeopardy questions—unlocking lessons learned decades ago. I can solve Wheel of Fortune puzzles faster—the chaos of my mind no longer hindering thought processes. My thirst for knowledge increases. My understanding expands. The more alive my spirit is, the more alive my mind.

And shining brightly like the stars? I feel it in my bones. I see it in others. Sometimes people will do a double-take when they pass me. They look perplexed, like what is causing that smile that reaches up to her eyes? Is she harboring some secret?

It’s not a secret at all.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

I thought it was indicative only of a right relationship with God. But the prophet Daniel tells us it’s more. It’s sharing righteousness with others. The light is a magnet, drawing others to Him. I’m merely a vessel.

I had oral surgery earlier this month. Sitting in the waiting room to be called back, I saw an older woman walk past. She didn’t say a word. We never even made eye contact. But I could see it. The peace and joy that comes only from knowing Christ was settled into every line on her face. The light radiating from her gave me strength—without hearing a single word.

That’s the power of the Lord through the obedience of His children.

“Shine bright, shine far, be a star…” The song from Disney’s Life-Size popped in my head as I read the verse this morning. I want my light to shine so bright that it reaches the darkest corners of the world.

I want to be the star that leads others to Him.