The power of one small light

All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.

Francis of Assisi

            A beacon shines brightly through the deepest darkness, guiding the ships away from the cliffs and certain death. Everyone who sees the light praises its power and impact on so many lives.

            Yet there are many small lights that never shine so brightly, nor have such an impact on those who see its glow. One, maybe two will benefit from its existence. Then, ever so quickly, it is extinguished never to be seen again. Yet its effect ripples across lives untold.

            Let me tell you the story of one such small light. Edward Kimball was a Sunday school teacher who taught the Bible to a class of young boys. One of his students was Dwight L. Moody who accepted the Lord, then preached on two continents, leading countless people to Christ. Through Moody’s teaching, a man named Wilbur Chapman came to know the Lord and became an evangelist whose preaching touched untold thousands. A baseball player who had the day off chose to attend one of Chapman’s meetings and gave his life to Christ; his name was Billy Sunday. Another young man was converted; his name was Mordecai Ham. A high schooler went to hear Mr. Ham preach and surrendered his life to God; Billy Graham was his name and he has preached to more people than any other person who has ever lived. (1)

            One small candle, be it ever so frail, can ignite a fire and start a blaze. Don’t ever underestimate the power of one, inconspicuous light. Even a flickering flame can casts out darkness, though the winds of adversity try to put it out.

            “What impact will I ever have on others?” you may ask. “How can I make a difference in this world?” “How can I help those who have special needs without a degree or special training?” “How can I be a light to others when I’m barely hanging on myself?”

Don’t be discouraged if your light is weak or goes unnoticed. God sees the light that shines within you and he will not allow your smoldering wick to be snuffed out (Isaiah 42:3). Be faithful and shine where God has put you. Who knows what impact you might have on eternity?

(1)  http://www.travisagnew.org/2013/07/22/the-chain-of-events-for-billy-grahams-conversion