You’ve heard it said before, “Think of others as better than yourself”, “Give rather than receive,” and “Always do good to others.” These are words to live by and words to teach, but they are also words that you may need to allow others to exercise upon you.

Have you ever felt like a lighthouse? Like one who is constantly admired and sought after for their stability and strength?  Perhaps you are both a good listener and a good adviser. Maybe you even go out of your way to make sure that others are taken care of.

I’ve often said that in the stormy seas of life I consider myself to be a lighthouse more times than not. In addition to the blessing I receive, I find joy and purpose when I can be a source of encouragement and strength to others. But there are times that I find myself on the other side of the scene. I feel more like a ship battling the tempestuous waters than a lighthouse guiding mariners to safety. And quite frankly in such situations, I am not as avid in seeking help as I am in giving it. Are you like that? Do you know someone who is?

Sometimes you may feel like a lighthouse and sometimes like a ship that’s adrift. In both cases know that God’s promise to be with you until the very end means just that. No matter how strong and secure you may be at times don’t forget that it is only by His grace that you can stand firm and help others. And no matter how lost, scared or courseless you may feel at other times, remember that God has prepared other lighthouses (fellow Christians) to listen, counsel, and encourage you as well. The challenge is to intentionally seek their guiding light and turn to it. If you ever feel like a ship instead of a lighthouse and there is no one readily available to guide you when you face stormy days, remember that Jesus is still the unmovable tower of refuge and the unfading light of hope. You can always navigate towards his loving arms where you will find comfort and strength.

Prayer: Dear God in heaven, thank you for the strength you give me to stand and help others find their way when their storms are too treacherous to navigate alone. But there are times when I too find myself in merciless waters and it is then Oh Lord, that I need you the most. When my strength gives in and my light fades out teach me to look to those who you have placed as lighthouses to guide me and encourage me. But most of all, help me to always look up to you, the true light of hope and salvation. For I know that in the stormiest of days your power is made strong.

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;” –Philippians 2:4

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:13

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” -2 Corinthians 12:9

-All Scripture is quoted from the NIV unless otherwise stated.