I am only one person. What difference can I make?

I think we’ve all asked ourselves this question. Maybe we wonder what difference my little life is making in this world. Some of us are married, some single. Some of us have full time jobs; some of us are home with little ones running around. Some of us are disabled not able to do what we used to do. We come from all walks of life and all sorts of situations, but there is one common ground we all have: we have a God who specializes in, delights in, and succeeds in; using one person to make a big difference. He uses those who will believe Him and by faith, step out into what the Lord asks of them.

It’s very clear that God thinks of greatness in a different light from what we humans do. Believing Him by faith, obeying and following His direction in our lives are qualities that He loves and can use to make a difference, and accomplish His purpose in the earth. How do we know this? The word of God dedicated a whole chapter in Hebrews 11 to commending so many who made long lasting differences in this world through stepping out in faith for the Lord.

Here is an example:
“Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who bore you; for he was but one when I called him, that I might bless him and multiply him.” Isaiah 51:2.
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8
“By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” Hebrews 11:11-12.

That pull on our hearts to “make a difference in this life” is from the Lord. He wants vessels in this life who He can, “make a difference through.” We can be assured that if we are wanting His will to be done in our lives, and seeking Him for that; He will use our lives to make a difference for His kingdom.

Maybe the Lord is challenging us to step out and start a group or a project, to stand up for a cause and rally others to help. Maybe He wants you to go see that person who’s been on your mind and heart, to encourage them. Perhaps He’s calling you into a new position at work, or to make a move to another place to live. There are so many times in life He challenges us to hear Him, and to step out in faith. We may not see why or how it can work out; but this is where we trust Him, knowing He does know the difference that our obedience will make, not only in our lives, but in the lives of those we will touch. We don’t know who He has out there for us to meet and make a difference.

When the Lord is prompting us to do something; He will equip us with what we need for the task. He will open doors, give us strength, endurance, and provide what we need. He knows we are human as He says in Psalm 103:14: “For He knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust.” So, when He asks us to do something, we can count on the fact that; He will be the source of our strength to carry it out! It’s His idea; He will see it through.

He has a plan for our lives to make a difference in this world—if we are willing to step out and trust Him to help us accomplish whatever it is. He made us with gifts and talents; deposited them in us when we were created. The beauty of this is that He created us uniquely; there is only one with our own DNA, our fingerprints, our gifts and talents – enabling us to do and be, “who” He created us to be! So, if He asks us to do something, it is because He has confidence in who He planned us to be and our ability to do it, with His guidance and direction, strength and Spirit!

Abraham is an example to us. He became the father of all God’s people! He was just one man—a man who believed God, and obeyed Him. There is power in our lives when we obey the Lord’s leading. When we feel that tug in our hearts and excitement to do something, knowing that God wants us to be a part of what He’s doing; it can be scary, and so often we feel very inadequate…but, God.

We are not depending on our strength or ability. If God wants us to do whatever, it is He directing us to – He will help us, lead us, guide us in the process. He wants us to step out in faith—faith in Him bringing it to pass. He wants willing vessels who are walking with Him, and filled with His spirit, to bring change in this world.

I like to think of the picture of a Father teaching his child to ride a bike. He encourages that child, saying “you can do it!” Fear can overtake that little one and maybe his attempts at first will be wobbly or he can’t go at all. But, then he tunes into what his father is saying, “Yes, you can, you can do it, I’m right here with you, holding the back of the seat until you are ready to try it on your own.” The child begins to pedal slowly, and then with a big grin is riding faster and faster! It’s a glorious moment for both of them. The child is so glad his father taught him and so proud of himself at his ability to do it.

I would venture to guess that we’ve all at one time or another learned to ride a bike. It’s a thrilling thing when you can do it. So, remember that time and listen for the voice and reassurance of your Father in heaven, telling you I’ve got you, I’m holding on to you; you can do this.” He wants us to enjoy the ride knowing He’s always there.

Joanie Millier

Joanie Miller authors children’s books. She lives in California.

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