I love glowsticks. When I was a youth pastor, I would schedule an activity that involved glowsticks just so I could order some to play with.

The interesting thing about glowsticks is they are not much good until you do something to them: You must break them!

Although that sounds backward compared to a normal toy, it is true. For a glowstick to glow, someone must tear and twist until it glows brightly.

Only then is it actually effective.

The same is true in our walk with God. So many think that to be happy and successful we must avoid all trials. But James says quite the contrary. If you want to grow in your walk with God, you must allow him to shape you, but also be happy when you are being broken.

Just like the glowstick, you are not effective until you are broken by the master.

I don’t know what you are facing today, but remember God does.

Whether it be loneliness, battles at home, friendships, marriage, issues at work or anything else, you must not give up or give in. God is breaking and molding you to let your light shine that much brighter.

Have you ever gone through a trial, all to find out one day that God ended up using it to help someone else or even for his glory?

The unfortunate truth is that far too often many people run from, curse, or blame God for their troubles. We get upset at the one who is trying to make us better.

Today, whatever you are facing and whatever you will face, count it all joy.

Why?

Because just as that glowstick is being broken in man’s hands, you are being broken in the palm of the master.

As the song says, “So let the storms rage high, the dark clouds rise; they don’t worry me. For I’m sheltered safe within the arms of God.”

Be a glowstick for Jesus Christ today.

Hargis is pastor at Solid Rock Baptist Church in Pendleton.