Hebrews Chapter 11 is fittingly called the "faith chapter" of the Bible, and rightfully so. The long list of men and women of faith and what hardships they endured for the sake of God's divine will is truly inspiring, even though it makes us feel as if we modern Christians pale in comparison.  

But notice that all the examples mentioned are to remind us of who we are and why we are here. We are ambassadors of Christ placed by God "behind enemy lines." As Christians, we represent the Kingdom of God while living in a world dominated by the Kingdom of Satan. We are placed here to be "lights" in a dark world. Notice Jesus' words, -"You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." (Matt.5:14-16) In being "lights" we are to illuminate the Way for those who are in the darkness. To bring the true light to all who will receive Him, which is Jesus. That is what taking time to shine is all about, -sharing our faith by witnessing.  

Taking Time in Vietnam  

In the book "Between Two Tigers" we see how Vietnamese men and women bring others to the knowledge of Christ by talking through holes in the walls of their prison cells. The video "The Faces of Vietnam," records their testimonies of tossing Scriptures in paper wads to prisoners across the hall. They demonstrate that they are not held in bondage by their own anguish, but with Paul can say, "My flesh will also rest in hope." (Acts 2:26)  

When asked if they were praying that their borders would be opened so they could have economic prosperity and political freedom, Vietnamese Christians replied, -"We are not praying that our borders be opened. We are praying that heaven be opened." Their answer reflects an overcoming spirit that does not place final hope in the world's systems.  

Arrests of Christians, police fines of house churches, and imprisonments continue across Vietnam. Yet they respond, -"Suffering is not the worst thing that can happen to us...disobedience to God is the worst thing."

These Christians reflect those mentioned in Acts 5:41, "rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name."(Voice of the Martyrs)  

As the people of God we are "ekklesia," the "called out ones." Called out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the glorious Kingdom of Light, and commanded to go into this dark world with the light of the gospel. We are to make disciples of others, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and the holy spirit, then teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. (Matt.28:18-20)  

Many times, especially young people hope to do great things for God in the future. They may not believe that what they do "today" is just as important to the work of God' s Kingdom as what they will do "someday."  

Yet God is the God of every day, hour, and circumstance. He can use your obedience to further His will by your faithful ambassadorship. He may not use your faithfulness in a way as visible to you as He used the boy who had loaves and fishes.(John 6) In the Kingdom to come, we will see how the things we did for God were used for His glory.  

What is God asking you to do this week, today, for the next hour, in the next five minutes? Your response to His call is very important to Him.  

Can we be as creative in bringing the knowledge of Christ to others as the Vietnamese are? They looked, and found "holes" in which to toss Scriptures through to others, -can we be as diligent to look for "openings" to share our faith, spreading "light" where before there was only darkness?  

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."Heb.12