Time to shine for the honor and glory of God

Needless to say these are times like we have never seen before in this great nation of ours.

The nation that I grew up in, served in the military and am a proud citizen of has come under attack.

The COVID-19 virus that we have heard so much about and continues to affect our everyday lives has cast a dark shadow on the freedoms and prosperity that we have enjoyed for so long.

This shadow of darkness has affected our free movements, economy, healthcare, politics and even our religious services.

Although we are practicing social distancing, we can still worship and serve our Savior.

As we hear much about praying for our people on the front lines, and I am very supportive of this, lets not forget to pray for those who lead spiritually.

This great nation was founded and built upon these mottos “One Nation Under God” and “In God We Trust.”

It would be easy to let this shadow of darkness creep into our spiritual lives as well. But I would rather the Christians of this community use this time to shine.

The Bible says in the Gospel of Matthew 5:14-16, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

During dark times of history, the people of God have let their lights shine.

The children is Israel never stopped hoping for a deliverer from Egyptian bondage.

The Jews, during the time of Eshter, prayed and fasted when facing annihilation. The three Hebrews facing a fiery furnace, the prophet Daniel when facing a lions den.

Time and time again, the people of God have been steadfast in time of darkness.

Lets not be the generation to let the darkness overtake the light that God has given to us.

My dear friend, this is our time to shine for the honor and glory of God.

At Highway Baptist Church, we are having “parking lot preaching” every Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. so people can practice social distancing, but still meet and worship in a safe and compliant way.

Let the light of Christ shine and give glory to His Holy Name. Let us be the ones to offer hope to a hopeless world.

Dr. Robert Randolph is the founding pastor of Highway Baptist Church in Greenville and a U.S. Navy veteran.