Living Each Day in the Grace and Glory of God
”For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Cor. 4:6)
If you asked me what it’s like to spend thirty years trying to live in the light of God’s glory, I’d tell you it’s both a journey and a daily choice—full of ups, downs, learning, and mercy.
For three decades, I’ve read the Bible, wrestled with questions, and tried to make sense of life through the lens of faith. One passage that’s always stuck with me is 2 Corinthians 4:1-7. Here’s what it means to me, in simple words.
First, no matter how strong we might look on the outside, we all need help. If God didn’t give us mercy—helping us when we don’t deserve it—we’d give up. It’s His kindness that keeps us going, day after day. Every time I’ve thought, “I can’t go on,” God’s mercy has shown up in unexpected ways, helping me stand back up.
Paul, who wrote these verses, talks about being honest and sincere. He and the other apostles had no hidden agenda. They weren’t trying to trick anyone or get something out of people. They simply wanted to share the truth they had found: the good news about Jesus. Over the years, I’ve learned that being real—living truthfully and not pretending—keeps you grounded. When you live this way, wise and good people respect you, and even more importantly, you find peace within yourself.
The gospel, or the message about Jesus, is described as a great light that opens our minds. But, the truth is, not everyone wants to see that light. There are all kinds of things—doubts, distractions, or just stubbornness—that can keep us in the dark. Sometimes it’s easier to look away than to let God’s light shine into all the messy corners of our hearts.
Yet, when that light gets in, something changes. It’s like the difference between stumbling in a dark room and having someone flip on the switch. Suddenly, you see reality—your needs, your faults, but also the path forward and the hope that’s available. Jesus is at the heart of this hope. He’s the one who saves, who forgives, who brings us close to God no matter how far we’ve wandered.
One thing I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, is that this journey isn’t about me. The message isn’t about making myself look good or collecting fans. It’s about pointing to Jesus, the one who truly saves. Anyone who tries to turn faith into a way to serve themselves is missing the point.
Paul also reminds us that God could have used angels or famous people to spread his message, but instead He chooses ordinary people—people with their own weaknesses and struggles. We’re like clay jars, fragile and imperfect, yet somehow we carry this priceless treasure of hope and light. That means if anything good comes from our lives, it’s clear that the power comes from God, not from us.
After thirty years, I can say that living in God’s light doesn’t mean you’re perfect or that you have all the answers. It means you keep showing up, keep learning, and keep letting God’s mercy shape you. You make mistakes, but you don’t give up, because His light keeps breaking through—even on the darkest days.
If you’re just starting out, or if you’re feeling weary, remember this: God’s light is for you, too. He gives mercy to those who ask, and He loves to use regular people to show His glory. Every day is a chance to let His light in and to shine it out for others to see.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 