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Light of the World - Tobias
Sermon Summary
Toby encourages us to recognise and use what God has already placed in our hands—our passions, skills, and opportunities—to shine His light and build His kingdom wherever we are.
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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
1. 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
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. God’s question to Moses, “What is in your hand?” challenges us to recognise 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.
5. Living as the light of the world means integrating faith into every aspect of life, not compartmentalising 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.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: You Are the Light of the World
Scripture:
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.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.5.14-16
Devotional:
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.
Reflection:
Where in your daily routine can you intentionally let Christ’s light shine through your actions or words today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Help me to shine brightly for You—radiating Your love, truth, and hope in every place I go. May my words and actions reflect Your goodness, so that others are drawn to You. Let Your light shine through me, even in the darkest places.
Amen.
Day 2: God Uses What Is Already in Your Hands
Scripture:
Exodus 4:1-3
'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. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/EXO.4.1-3
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.
Reflection:
What is one skill, resource, or opportunity you already have that you can offer to God for His work this week?
Prayer:
Lord, when I doubt what I have to offer, help me to trust that what I already carry is enough when surrendered to You. Use the ordinary in my life for Your extraordinary purposes. Even if I don’t feel ready, teach me to step forward in faith, knowing You will work through me. Amen.
Day 3: Following Jesus Means Living Out Your Faith Daily
Scripture:
Matthew 4:18-19
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/MAT.4.18-19
Devotional:
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.
Reflection:
What is one practical way you can follow Jesus more closely in your everyday life this week?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You call me to follow You. Help me to leave behind what holds me back and step into the life You are leading me toward. Make me a light in this world and a fisher of people—sharing Your love, grace, and truth wherever I go. I choose to follow You today. Amen.
Day 4: Depend on the Holy Spirit for Power and Guidance
Scripture:
Acts 1:8-9
'But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ACT.1.8-9
Devotional:
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.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you most need to rely on the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance today?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Empower me to be Your witness, sharing Your love and truth wherever I go. Just as You ascended with purpose, help me live with purpose—boldly and faithfully proclaiming Your name to the ends of the earth. Amen.
Day 5: Your Whole Life Is Ministry—Let God Use Every Part
Scripture:
Romans 12:1
'Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ROM.12.1
Devotional:
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.
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?
Prayer:
Lord, I offer my life to You as a living sacrifice. Let every part of me—my thoughts, actions, and desires—be pleasing in Your sight. Help me live each day in worship, giving myself fully to Your purpose and glory. Amen.
Day 6: Faithful service bears fruit.
Scripture:
Galatians 6:9
'Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/GAL.6.9
Devotional:
In the journey of faith, there are seasons when doing good and using the talents we have feels exhausting. We pour out our energy in service, kindness, and obedience, yet we may not immediately see results. God sees every act of faithfulness, even the quiet ones. He is at work in ways we cannot always see, and His timing is perfect. The call is to keep going, to keep trusting in whatever it is you have to give whether big or small. Nothing that is done for His Kingdom is ever in vain. Be encouraged to persevere as faithful service bears fruit.
Reflection:
Where are you feeling weary in doing good? What helps you stay faithful when results seem delayed?
Prayer:
Lord, Thank You for the reminder that my efforts for good are never wasted. When I grow tired or discouraged, lift my eyes to Your promise of a harvest. Help me to keep sowing in faith, trusting that You are working even when I can’t see it. Strengthen my hands, renew my heart, and help me to shine your light to others. Amen.
Day 7: In all things God may be praised
Scripture:
1 Peter 4:10 -11
'Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/111/1PE.4.10-11
When we offer our abilities back to God—whether through teaching, serving, creating, leading, hospitality or encouraging—He multiplies the impact far beyond what we could imagine. Using our gifts for God’s glory is not about being seen or celebrated, but about being faithful. Even the simplest acts, when surrendered to Him, become sacred.
God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect—He’s simply asking us to be willing.
Share with others the gifts and talents you have been blessed with.
Reflection:
What gifts and talents has God placed in your hands? Are you using them to serve others and glorify Him? How might God be calling you to step out in faith today?
Prayer:
Father, Thank You for the gifts and talents You’ve given me. Help me not to hide them or use them for my own gain, but to offer them freely for Your glory. Teach me to serve with humility, passion, and love—so that through my life, others may see You. Use what I have for the good of Your Kingdom. Amen.
