by
Cherisse Stephens
Have you ever sat outside and looked up into the
heavens on a clear dark night? Aren’t
you amazed by the stars that shine so brightly even through the darkness? God’s creations of the heavens are so
beautiful, that it leaves me in awe of him and all of his glory. Just as God created the stars to shine in the
heavens, he has created you to SHINE in the earth! You are God’s Star!
I love the scripture that tells us that we are the light of the world, a city that
cannot be hidden. No matter what
comes our way, God has given us the ability to shine through it all. You have been given the power to light up this
world with God’s glory. How awesome is
that? Once we take on the image of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we are empowered to let our light shine, so that
men will be drawn to him.
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is that of
Esther. Her story is so inspiring
because Esther learned how to shine despite the odds that were against her. In the 2nd chapter of the book of
Esther, the king Ahasuerus decided to select a new queen as his wife. All the virgins of the land were gathered
together and began their preparation process before going before the king. Esther who was an orphaned girl being raised
by her relative Mordecai, was selected. In most people’s opinions, she was not suited
to become the bride of a king. I am sure that someone reading this passage has
been denied something in their lifetime.
How many people have counted you or someone you know out, because in
their minds, you don’t have what it takes to fulfill the assignment or walk in
the role that’s presented to you?
The scripture in Jeremiah 29:11 says the following; “For I know the thoughts that I think
towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you
and expected end.”
God had a plan for Esther’s life and he has a plan
for your life as well. You may feel that
your light is kind of dim right now.
Life has thrown you some blows that has literally left you feeling like
there is no way to reignite the light and fire that’s on the inside of
you. I think of you as the diamond in
the ruff. A diamond in the rough comes
out of the dirt in which it was buried and doesn’t seem to have much value and
worth. But once it is discovered that
the rock is a diamond, the process of polishing begins.
Polishing is the process that Esther had to go
through as well. You see, she was not in
any condition to go before the king in the state she was in. She needed to be processed and polished
before she would walk into her divine assignment. She was a diamond in the ruff, waiting to
shine!
One of my favorite sayings is this, “Don’t judge who I am by where I am right
now.” Just because I don’t have it
all together right now, doesn’t disqualify me from the plans of God. We are a work in progress. God is building character in us daily. I am certain that those around Esther sized
her up and tried to discourage her from going before the king. Even in our Christian walk, there will be
those who will try to snuff out your light and keep you from walking in your
divine purpose. But you have to be
determined to shine, no matter what!
Esther had the favor of God on her life. Although she was surrounded by beautiful,
wealthy women who came from royalty, she knew that God’s Glory was shining upon
her and would bring her favor with the king.
That is so powerful! We can use
that same principal today. We must live
knowing that God’s Glory is shining so brightly upon us and because of it; we
can walk into our kingdom assignment with authority.
The scripture says in Esther 2:17 “And
the king loved Esther above all women, and she obtained grace and favor in his
sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head,
and made her queen instead of Vashti.”
Wow, look at the favor of God that was on Esther’s
life. She was now the Queen to King
Ahasuerus. Her life had taken a turn
that left many in disbelief. I believe
that God wants to shift your life and bring that kind of favor to YOU! Esther was now shining brightly! Through all of her scars, disappointments,
rejection and hurt, she was chosen to shine brighter than those around her.
God has selected you to shine through it all! You are his special STAR! You have been given
the gift Shine for him! So embrace your
journey and hold your head up high! Tell
yourself, I am God’s Star and I must…SHINE ON!
About
The Author
Cherisse Stephens is an Author, Evangelist, Television
Host, Recording Artist, and Producer.
She is the founder and CEO of the “God’s Cover-Girls Women’s Conference”
and the “Spring Forth Into Destiny Family Conference.” She is the author of the book series entitled
“How to Be God’s Cover-Girl” for adults, teens and tweens. To find out more about Cherisse Stephens,
visit her website at www.godscovergirls.com and www.cherissestephens.com
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