DEVOTIONAL: MAKE A DIFFERENCE
MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND BE THE LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS:
Have you ever thought….How can I make a difference in this world or in the life of someone else? God made you to make a difference with your life even when you feel confused and unusable. If we can just remind ourselves everyday of this greater purpose we might see life differently and might see the calling God has for us to make a difference in the life of others. It may be in small ways everyday or it may be something monumental. I know for me, I have felt so inadequate at times and questioned God as to why He was calling me to do something. Like these devotions for instance. I am not a preacher, I am not a scholar and I definitely do not claim to know everything but I have been through much during my life and God wanted me to use what I have been through and what He is speaking to my heart, to hopefully speak to the hearts of others and to help them in certain aspects of life. I remember getting messages after I posted my first devotion and how it was right on time and what they needed to hear. I sat and cried and just thanked God over and over for pushing me, calling me and for speaking to me so that in this small way, I could help someone else and be used by Him even when I was going through so much in my own life. Sometimes when we are focused on ourselves and our own situation/struggles we are in, we don’t feel we can help others but that is when God can use us the most! Even through our own pain and struggles, God can use us if we open our hearts to Him. Is there something God is speaking to you to do but you keep telling Him you are just not adequate enough? Well, if He spoke it to you then you ARE adequate and He will equip you! When I stand before God I do not want him to point out my excuses of…..I was too busy, I was inadequate, I wanted to take care of me first, I was going through too much or I was not equipped. God created us for a life of service to love others so we must follow His calling.
Today, with a world that is in shambles, going through a national pandemic, there are many people feeling hopeless and desperate…this is when we need to show the love of Christ and make a difference to those around us. This is the time to make a difference like we have never before. We should not take lightly our responsibility as Christians during this pandemic. People need God now more than ever and we need to be their light in the darkness. Let me say that again….WE MUST BE THE LIGHT IN THIS DARKNESS! We must share hope, faith, love and kindness more than we ever have during a time when many are afraid and losing hope! One small kind gesture could make the difference that person is needing today!
When we are in need and struggling ourselves yet reach out to help someone else, that is when God is so well pleased with us and when God truly sees our heart. We often see the task of making a difference as being something that has to be big but forget that making a difference starts with an individual. Reaching the world for Christ starts with our own family, friends and community. Being used by God and making a difference doesn’t mean we have to be a preacher, singer or someone behind the podium. We can make a difference right here in our own home, family, friends and community. It may just be a smile, a word of encouragement, a small note, sharing our toilet paper when we only have 3 rolls left, going to the store for an elderly friend or praying with a friend on the phone who is struggling and just needs to know someone cares. I don’t know how God wants to use you today but He will if you open your heart and just ask Him. In my own community I have seen the hands and feet of Christ each and every day and seen first hand vessels of God being used to show love to others. It has brought so much light in this dark time.
We simply must be a vessel willing and able to be used by God to make a difference no matter how big or small it may be. Those small differences may be the very thing a person needed just to make it through the day. I do not know why all of this is happening in our world today but I can tell you this….God is still alive and moving. God is still God and we must be His hands and feet spreading His love, especially NOW! God will use you somehow, someway if you just ask Him to use you today to make a difference. Open your heart today….What is God calling you to do?
Prayer of making a difference:
Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you today during a time when we have so much uncertainty, where people are feeling hopeless and I ask you right now to show me how I can make a difference in the life of someone and show Christ through my actions. I ask you to use me to be the light in the darkness no matter what that calling may be….big or small God I am here to be used by you to make a difference in the hearts and lives of others and be used according to your plan and your purpose. I open my heart and ask you to speak into my heart as to what I can do to make a difference today. In Jesus name I pray….Amen!
Bible verses of making a difference
Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Luke 3:11
“John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”