People Are Waiting to Partake in Your Light!

Have you been moved by the Holy Spirit to do something, and you didn’t do it right away? I’ve definitely done that plenty of times! I’m not bragging of course, but I’m mentioning it because a lot of us have. It’s a part of our process of growth in the Lord. So, let’s jump right into my experience and how the Lord used this experience to teach me something. There was an event in Chicago called “Nurses Night Out”. It’s a comedy show put on by nurses to give nurses a break from the floor and to laugh about what we go through! I was invited by a good friend of mine. She also invited some fellow nurses who I didn’t know. That’s fine, I meet new people often. We had a great time laughing and hanging out. SO…..what happened? Sounds like an uneventful night out, right? Hold on. You know I have to give a quick background that leads up to the moment.

When I pray, read the Word of God, or have spiritual conversations, I cover my head with a head scarf. Because I talk to God often, my head is covered most of the time. Why? According to I Corinthians 11: 3-10 NKJV. It’s a great chapter, so I recommend reading the whole thing, but today, we are going to focus on verses 3-5. “³ But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. ⁴ Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. ⁵ But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved.”  Not everyone sees this as important, but I’ll share with you why it is important. In the same chapter verse 10 says, “¹⁰ For this reason the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.” This walk with God is spiritual, and we know that there are many holy and evil spirits around us that we cannot see. When we cover our heads as sisters, it is a symbol of spiritual protection and authority. It also is a form of submission to the Lord. As a single woman, my head is Christ. The enemy is always trying to trick us or send us away from God. So, he can influence us to think that this is a minor thing, no big deal. However, it is. This is definitely a great topic to discuss, but we’re going to move on. I just wanted to give a background for the example I’m going to use.

“I really start to get in my head about it. They are going to think I’m crazy, lol.”

So, this place we go to for the event is also a restaurant, and I order food. I didn’t have my head covered this particular time, so I know that I’ll have to cover my head as I pray before eating. I always do so as I give thanks before I eat. This time is no different. My friend knows that I do this. She’s used to it by now, but I start to become a little hesitant to do it in front of people I don’t know. This is something the Lord is working with me on; not worrying about what people might think or say when I’m doing something to please Him that they may not understand. For those who cover their heads often, we will use anything to cover our heads and pray, okay! Lol we will use a napkin, a towel, a scarf, etcetera. It’s really whatever we can get our hands on. This night, it would be my table napkin. I really start to get in my head about it. They are going to think I’m crazy, lol. This is the battle in my mind:  I don’t know them, they don’t know me, but this is something that I do all the time, so just because I don’t know them doesn’t mean I don’t practice how I normally would! That would be hypocrisy, right? I’m sitting in my chair so convicted because I know this is important for me to do. My carnal mind and my spiritual mind are duking it out y’all, iykyk! Romans 7: 14-25 KJV.  

Before the pizza comes out, I tell the ladies at my table to please eat what they want. Then the pizza comes out, and I start to really get in my head because I know that I do not feel comfortable eating before praying over my food, and I don’t feel comfortable praying over my food without my head covered according to the scriptures we just read. I start fidgeting in my seat because it’s bothering me that I didn’t just do it right away. It took me less than 10 minutes to finally cover my head and pray! Whew! I did it, and it wasn’t as awkward as I thought it would be. They weren’t even phased by it as far as I could tell. Side note: We have to get used to doing what is right by God no matter what it looks like. I mean even the Lord told Jeremiah not to worry about the faces of Israel when he spoke to them what thus said the Lord. We know we can make some facial expressions! Lol I didn’t see any of that! It was an internal battle for me. I was so relieved when I finally prayed like I normally do.

Now for the lesson. Soon after I prayed, I grabbed a slice of pizza. Then suddenly, the ladies started grabbing slices. I said to them, “Oh! You guys were waiting for me?!” and they said together, “Yes! We weren’t going to take the first slice!” and I said, “I told you; you could go for it. You’re so polite, lol” and they were like, “We weren’t going to take your first slice. It’s your pizza! lol”. This is the message the Lord gave me right after that: People are waiting for you to shine your Light so they can partake in what you have to offer. If the Lord puts certain talents/gifts within us; if He gives us a work to do, and we don’t do it, think about how many people will miss out on that particular Light. How many people would miss out on edification. How the Lord would miss out on His praise and glory. Now, in previous texts, I mention the Lord is excellent in teaching and counsel, and He can teach from anything.  I say that to say, I’m not making a big deal about the physicality of someone being polite and not eating my food before me, but rather the spiritual meaning behind hesitating to shine the Light God gave me to shine. Message! They didn’t move until I moved. If I had never grabbed a slice either they would have not taken any pizza or eventually would have asked if I’m going to eat so they could eat.

Biblical examples that came to me include: Matthew 21: 28-31 (KJV) “²⁸ But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. ²⁹ He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. “³⁰ And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. ³¹ Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” It will always be in our best interest to do the will of the Lord over our own will, even if it “looks” odd to others. I would rather obey Jesus than people. We can’t allow our obedience to be determined by people whether it’s their expressions, thoughts, words, or actions. Be encouraged! We can do this! I also thought of the parable of the talents according to Matthew 25: 14-30 KJV. The last example the Holy Spirit gave was about us being the light of the world in Matthew 5: 14-16 NKJV. ¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Think about this for yourself for a moment. What areas of your walk with God would you like to improve on? Have you hesitated on an urge because you were afraid of what people may think or how they may feel about what you’re doing? If that describes you, what can you do to strengthen this weakness? For me, when I got in the car, I felt guilty because I hesitated due to fear. I asked for forgiveness and processed with the Lord on my way home. I was reminded that the Lord did not give us the spirit of fear which would mean that that was either my flesh or the enemy. Maybe someone was there that I didn’t know who also covers their head when they pray, and they needed encouragement by me praying. Maybe it creates curiosity for someone to ask me questions, which I love! Then, the Lord can get His praise.  At this point, I’m just sharing my thoughts about it. These questions could be applied to whatever it is the Lord is urging you to do. He wants us all to benefit from obedience.

I pray this message is encouraging for you! Take some time to meditate on the Word of God shared today.  Consider others as you walk daily. The Lord has created us all for a work, but more importantly for His glory and praise. This word is also a reminder that it’s not particularly about our individual selves, but all of us and how we can add value to our spiritual walk through walking according to the Words of Jesus! Peace to you all and let the Light of God so shine!

This is the perfect song to go along with this post. It’s called “Obedience” by Malkah Norwood. Take a listen. Leave a comment down below and share with your sisters to encourage them too!

I love you all, Michelle 💖