by Jordyn van Gaalen

In the world

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.”
Romans 1:16 New International Version

For the first time in my life, I found myself in a community completely absent of Christians and Christian beliefs. This came with a new set of challenges and I struggled in deciphering how to speak and act in accordance with this verse. 

I thought about what it means to be in the world but not of the world. The work environment, as toxic as it felt, needed to hear the Gospel. I could see the emptiness around me, being bandaged with bottomless means. But while alone, it was hard to stand up against. I struggled internally with this balance to not fall into that way of living and thinking, yet to be a light.

During that time, Romans 1:16 came to my mind often. I really struggled in those bold words.

A new and different role had been placed before me: being a light in a place that more or less scoffed at any religion. I was unsure and fearful in how to share the Gospel. Though it was daunting, I prayed for seeds to be planted and courage in my heart. 

For it is the power of God that brings salvation. He is using us as vessels in our own unique settings. 

Being in a rather uncomfortable environment set my focus more keenly on Christ. In spending my days in a world filled with worldly striving, I felt an even stronger desire to crack open my Bible, to memorize passages I could repeat in my mind as I went about my work, to fill up and face the day before me with confidence. 

God will use us to be a light wherever He takes us in this earthly journey. Whether we are surrounded by fellow believers or in a place entirely absent of His Name. 

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado