For the last 13 months, our country has been caught in a holding pattern. Most people have been stuck within the confines of their home, removed from any social interaction outside their immediate household due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The rub is, we were created for relationship, for community – and without it, we begin to break down.

As the U.S. starts to open back up, Christ-followers have an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the lonely, the hopeless, and the socially starving. However you define “your community” – whether work, neighbors, or friends - I guarantee there are those inside it who need healing, who need hope, who need Jesus.

Wherever you are, and wherever you go, you carry the light of God with you. Matthew 5:15-16 says, “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…” You see, God has placed you right where you are on purpose and for a purpose. He wants to use you as a lamp in the darkness to bring light and encouragement to all those around you who don’t know him yet – to those who are stuck in isolation and hopelessness.

So, as you begin to go back out into the wide world, stop and look around you. Who doesn’t know Jesus yet? What can you do to bring hope, light, love, and healing to them today?

The iWork4Him Nation Covenant lays out a simple plan for transforming your workplace into a mission field, but that same plan can help us activate a ministry of healing in our community.

• Start praying for those in your community.

• Look for ways to serve those around you.

• Work to befriend others.

• Offer to pray with your community members.

Whether you stop to talk to your neighbor in the front yard, invite your coworker to lunch on the first day back to the office, or offer to pray with your boss - be a person that’s a good listener, that demonstrates excellence, that authentically cares, and that brings the light of Christ into the dark places.

The walls are coming down in our country, and as those walls come down, people are ready to hear about Jesus. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a cultural influence for Christ. If you are looking for more inspiration and encouragement about how to share your faith at work and at home, tune in to The Awaken Podcast Network.

Jim