Shining Like Stars

Listen to today’s devo!

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” (Phil. 2:14–15)

Expanded Passage: Philippians 2:14-18

If a violent hailstorm crashed through your windows and torpedoed into your living room, ripping your furniture and floor to pieces, how would you respond? This happened one summer to my great-uncle Bill. His response was: “Well, we’ve been wanting new carpet and windows; now we have a good reason to get them!”

I rarely recall Uncle Bill having a negative attitude. He was one of the most joyful people I’ve ever known. No matter the circumstance, he would find some good in it. And his encouraging example inspired others to count their blessings, as well.

Imagine if every Christ follower faced negative circumstances by choosing to find the good (or at least the potential for good) in them! This is the attitude that the Bible character Joseph had. After his own brothers betrayed him—and even after he was unjustly accused and left to rot in prison—Joseph harbored no bitterness in his heart. “You intended to harm me,” he told his brothers, “but God intended it for good” (Gen. 50:20).

The world is full of negativity. One way to bring light into darkness is to focus on God’s goodness and be thankful. Miracles glorify God, certainly, but so does a heart at peace even when miracles are scarce and times are hard. It is a life of joy—not necessarily one of ease—that brings hope to others.

Focus on God’s goodness instead of grumbling or arguing.

Laura Hurd is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and co-pastors with her husband, Jason, in northwestern Nebraska. She enjoys rural life, reading, and road trips.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.