Using What You Have to Shine God's Light
Summary
Tonight, the focus is on a simple but profound question: What is in your hands? Drawing from personal experience with a deck of cards, the point is made that God often uses what we already possess—our skills, passions, and everyday opportunities—to build His kingdom. Just as learning card tricks took time, practice, and intentionality, so too does learning to use what God has given us for His purposes. The journey through the recent church series has highlighted how God prepares, calls, and equips ordinary people to shine His light in the world, not just in grand gestures but in the small, faithful acts of daily life.
Reflecting on the story of Jesus and His disciples, it’s clear that Jesus called people as they were—fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary individuals—and invited them to follow Him, to become the light of the world. This calling didn’t require special qualifications or waiting for a perfect moment. Instead, Jesus used what was already in their hands, transforming their everyday work and relationships into avenues for His mission. The same is true today: God calls each of us to let our light shine, to use what we have, right where we are.
The example of Moses at the burning bush is a powerful reminder. When God called Moses, He didn’t ask for something Moses didn’t have. He simply asked, “What is in your hand?” and used Moses’ staff as the starting point for a great deliverance. This shows that God’s work in our lives often begins with what we already possess, even if it seems ordinary or insignificant.
Survey responses from the congregation reveal a shared desire to depend on God in the small things, to make all of life a ministry, and to invite Christ into every area. Whether it’s being more careful with words, reigniting passion for faith, or recognizing the need for the Holy Spirit, these reflections point to a deeper engagement with God’s call. The encouragement is to reflect on what God has placed in our hands—our skills, vocations, and passions—and to offer them back to Him, trusting that He can use them to shine His light and build His kingdom.
Key Takeaways
- God uses what is already in our hands—our skills, passions, and everyday opportunities—to accomplish His purposes. We don’t need to wait for extraordinary gifts or circumstances; God delights in using the ordinary for extraordinary impact when surrendered to Him. [34:37]
- The call to be the light of the world is not reserved for a select few but is extended to all who follow Jesus. Just as the disciples were called in the midst of their daily work, we are invited to let our light shine in our unique contexts, trusting that God will work through us as we are. [38:32]
- Faithfulness in small things is often the foundation for greater impact. The testimonies shared highlight that living out our identity in Christ doesn’t require grand gestures; consistent, humble obedience in daily life can be deeply transformative for us and those around us. [45:01]
- God’s question to Moses, “What is in your hand?” challenges us to recognize and offer what we already possess. Rather than waiting for ideal conditions or greater resources, we are called to trust that God can multiply and use what we have, however simple it may seem. [49:10]
- Living as the light of the world means integrating faith into every aspect of life, not compartmentalizing it to Sundays or spiritual moments. When we invite Christ into our routines, relationships, and work, our whole life becomes a ministry, reflecting God’s light to others and glorifying Him. [53:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Celebrating Community and Ben’s Birthday
[02:10] - The Card Trick Story: What’s in Your Hands?
[04:37] - Series Recap: Preparing the Way, Light of the World, New Creation
[06:14] - Matthew 5: Called to Be Light
[07:40] - Jesus Calls Ordinary People
[08:32] - Disciples on Mission: Becoming the Light
[09:36] - The Holy Spirit and the Mission Continues
[10:48] - From the Disciples to Us: Continuing the Ministry
[11:37] - Reflections from the Congregation
[13:40] - Testimonies: Living Out Faith in Daily Life
[15:01] - Small Acts, Big Impact
[16:05] - Personal Reflection: Rediscovering God’s Word
[17:28] - God Speaks in Our Context
[18:22] - Moses and the Staff: God Uses What’s in Our Hands
[19:10] - God’s Call: Use What You Have
[20:11] - Practical Application: Your Skills for God’s Kingdom
[21:44] - Modern Examples: Builders, Students, Healers
[22:42] - Our Whole Life as Ministry
[23:30] - Offering Ourselves: Letting Our Light Shine
[24:40] - Closing Prayer and Sending Forth
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: "What Is In Your Hands?"
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Exodus 4:1-5
Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. The Lord said, “Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand. “This,” said the Lord, “is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 5, what does Jesus say about the purpose of letting your light shine before others?
2. According to the sermon, what kinds of people did Jesus call to follow Him, and what were they doing when He called them? ([37:40])
3. In the story of Moses at the burning bush, what did God ask Moses to do with what was already in his hand? ([49:10])
4. What are some examples from the sermon of ordinary things or skills being used for God’s purposes? ([52:42])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to call ordinary people like fishermen and tax collectors, instead of religious leaders or people with special qualifications? ([37:40])
2. What does it mean that God uses what is already in our hands, rather than waiting for us to have something more impressive or “spiritual”? ([49:10])
3. How does the idea of “letting your light shine” challenge the way we think about ministry and serving God in everyday life? ([36:14])
4. Why might it be difficult for us to see the value in the ordinary things we have or do? What holds us back from offering them to God? ([53:30])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon asked, “What is in your hands?” Take a moment to think about your own life—what skills, passions, or opportunities do you already have that God might want to use? Share one with the group. ([53:30])
2. Moses was hesitant to use what he had, but God showed him that even a simple staff could be powerful when surrendered to Him. Is there something in your life that seems too ordinary or insignificant to matter? How might God use it if you offered it to Him? ([49:10])
3. The survey responses in the sermon mentioned wanting to depend on God in the small things and to make all of life a ministry. What is one small area of your daily routine where you could invite Jesus in more intentionally this week? ([44:20])
4. The speaker shared about using a deck of cards as a way to connect with others and start conversations. Is there a hobby or interest you have that could be used to build relationships or share your faith? ([52:42])
5. Jesus called His disciples in the middle of their everyday work. How can you be more aware of God’s call in your own workplace, school, or home? What would it look like to “let your light shine” there? ([38:32])
6. One person in the survey said, “It doesn’t have to be big to be impactful.” Can you think of a time when a small act of faithfulness made a difference in your life or someone else’s? ([45:01])
7. The sermon encouraged us not to wait for perfect conditions or greater resources before serving God. Is there something you’ve been waiting for before stepping out in faith? What’s one step you could take this week with what you already have? ([51:00])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, offering what is “in their hands” to God, asking Him to use their skills, passions, and opportunities for His kingdom.
Devotional
Day 1: You Are the Light of the World
Jesus calls every believer to shine His light in their daily lives, not hiding their faith but letting it be visible through good deeds that glorify God. This is not just a call for a select few, but for all who follow Him, to be a beacon in their communities and families. The light we carry is not our own, but a reflection of Christ’s presence within us, meant to illuminate the darkness around us and point others to the Father. No matter where you are or what you do, your life can radiate hope, kindness, and truth, making a real difference in the world. [36:14]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: Where in your daily routine can you intentionally let Christ’s light shine through your actions or words today?
Day 2: God Uses What Is Already in Your Hands
God does not wait for you to become someone else or acquire new abilities before He calls you; instead, He asks you to offer what you already have—your skills, passions, and resources—for His purposes. Just as God used Moses’ staff, something ordinary and familiar, to accomplish extraordinary things, He desires to use what is in your hands right now. You don’t need to wait for a perfect moment or special qualification; God delights in using your current circumstances, talents, and even your weaknesses to build His kingdom. Trust that what you have is enough when surrendered to Him. [49:10]
Exodus 4:1-3 (ESV)
Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’” The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” And he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.
Reflection: What is one skill, resource, or opportunity you already have that you can offer to God for His work this week?
Day 3: Following Jesus Means Living Out Your Faith Daily
Being a disciple of Jesus is not just about believing in Him, but about following Him in every area of life—at home, at work, and in your relationships. The first disciples were called from their everyday routines and invited to join Jesus in His mission, learning from Him and then being sent out to share His light with others. This invitation is for you as well: to let your faith shape your daily choices, to be open to God’s leading, and to see your whole life as a ministry. Every moment is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and truth. [38:32]
Matthew 4:18-19 (ESV)
While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Reflection: What is one practical way you can follow Jesus more closely in your everyday life this week?
Day 4: Depend on the Holy Spirit for Power and Guidance
After Jesus ascended, He promised His followers the Holy Spirit, empowering them to be His witnesses and continue His mission in the world. This same Spirit is available to you, giving you strength, wisdom, and courage to live out your faith and make an impact wherever you are. You are not left to do God’s work alone; the Holy Spirit equips you to serve, to love, and to shine brightly even when you feel weak or uncertain. Lean into His presence and ask for His help in every situation. [39:36]
Acts 1:8-9 (ESV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance today?
Day 5: Your Whole Life Is Ministry—Let God Use Every Part
God’s desire is not just for you to serve Him in big, visible ways, but to offer your whole life—your daily routines, your work, your relationships, and your passions—as a living sacrifice. Every part of who you are can be used by God to reflect His love and bring hope to others. You don’t have to wait for a special calling or a dramatic moment; God is inviting you to let Him use you right where you are, with what you have, for His glory. Be courageous and open your hands to Him, trusting that even the small things can have a big impact in His kingdom. [53:30]
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Reflection: What is one ordinary part of your life that you can intentionally offer to God as an act of worship and ministry this week?
Quotes
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