Series Introduction: Shine Anyway
When Struggles Feel Like the Theme of Your 20s
Recently, someone reached out and asked me to put together a series for people in their 20s—specifically about how to trust God through struggles, heartbreaks, failures, and job rejections.
She said something that stuck with me:
“Everyone I know is going through one of those things right now.”
And isn’t that the truth?
Your twenties are supposed to be this exciting decade of freedom and discovery. But for many, they feel more like a storm—one where you’re constantly trying to keep your head above water while smiling for social media and pretending you’re okay.
If you’re in that space right now, I want you to know: you’re not alone—and you’re not behind.
A Decade of Discovery (and Disappointment)
Your twenties are a strange mix of becoming and breaking, of freedom and fear, of dreaming big and sometimes watching those dreams fall apart. It's the time when:
You move out on your own and realize how expensive groceries are
You apply for your “dream job” and don’t hear back
You fall in love and maybe get your heart shattered
You wonder if you're doing life "right" while watching everyone else post highlight reels
This is the season where you start discovering who you really are—but often through disappointment, detours, and divine delays.
You Were Made to Shine
God gave me a simple picture for this series:
You are a lamp.
You were created to shine—uniquely, beautifully, and with purpose.
But a lamp can’t shine unless it’s plugged in to something.
The same goes for your life. If you're trying to light up the world while staying disconnected from your source, you’ll burn out.
The only source strong enough to sustain you—through heartbreak, through failure, through the uncertainty—is God Himself.
Plug into Him, and you’ll shine through the dark.
Plug into Him, and you’ll realize your worth isn’t based on achievements, relationships, or being “on track.”
It’s based on the One who designed you.
Suffering Is a Privilege
Here’s something that might be hard to hear but could change your perspective:
Suffering is a privilege.
“For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.”
— Philippians 1:29 (NLT)
Suffering isn’t God being absent. It’s often God being incredibly close. He allows certain struggles not to harm you—but to refine you, build you, and grow your light.
Your heartbreak? It can birth empathy.
Your failure? It can teach resilience.
Your silence? It can deepen your trust.
Pain is never wasted when it’s placed in God’s hands.
What to Expect
This 10-part series is for anyone navigating:
Disappointment
Uncertainty
Rejection
Waiting
Pain
Feeling behind
Each part will include:
A Scripture verse (NLT)
A short reflection
A practical takeaway
A personal prayer and journal prompt
It’s not a fix-it plan. It’s a walk-together path.
A reminder that even in your weakest moment, God is still working—and you’re still glowing.
So if you feel like you're in the dark, friend—stay plugged in.
God’s not finished. You were made to shine.