Power Within a Conduit

By Monique Chambers

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. 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 they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16, ESV).

This past weekend, I journeyed to the waters of San Francisco to celebrate my birthday. As I stood taking in the beautiful view of the ocean that seemingly blended in with the sky's dark night, the lights from the Golden Gate Bridge captivated so much of my attention. Even from my periphery, it was as if I could not enjoy the fullness of this moment without providing the appropriate acknowledgement that it demanded.

I began to contemplate how my life should indeed be synonymous to this bridge, but also with the ocean. Then conviction arose as I became fully aware of how difficult it is to be the light in such a dying world and the salt in a field where so many are left with hopeless bitterness.

Have I become too consumed with self? With my own agenda? With my own struggles through this medical journey?

Have I ignored the unction of the Holy Spirit to connect others to the Almighty God?

Have I indeed been wasting the valuable possessions God entrusted to me?

Have I placed the "demands" of a medical career over God's demands for my "calling"?

In spite of these thoughts, I am assured that God would not have instructed me to do something of which I am not capable. I am supposed to be salty just as the ocean water. In this instruction, I find the confidence in knowing that I can rely on the Holy Spirit to give me the wisdom that softens bitter situations (sort of how salt dulls the bitterness of coffee). Salt is also supposed to enhance the original perception of food. This informs me of the ability we each have to enter situations with an "add to" mentality, and never a "taking away" approach. I was also called to be the light shining amongst the vast darkness of this world and of sickness and disease. As I shine with His unconditional love, others cannot help but to notice His unwavering heart for them. As they notice me shining, I point them to Christ who is the very gateway to the Father. Then the revelation hit me, "I am merely a conduit." I am a Golden disciple that Bridges others to the Gate of God Himself ... WOW!!!

What became most clear is that His plans for me are as vast and overwhelming as the view before me. I was placed on this earth for no other reason except to fulfill the will of my heavenly Father; and as I take care of His business, surely He will handle mine. I urge you to season the plate that life puts before you every single day. I encourage you to find the still moments in the day to check the dimmers of your internal light.

Do you know what flavor you are adding to the recipe of medicine? Or how bright you shine?

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:11-13, ESV).