Make a Difference
by Judy Wiedenkeller

In the classic movie, "It's a Wonderful Life," George Bailey is given the rare privilege to witness the impact his own existence has had on the lives of others. Most of us may never have that knowledge, and so we often ask, "Does my life truly make a difference? Am I reaching out to my world?"

God has always used ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things. He uses us as individuals-one by one-to make a difference in His world.

When He decided to call together a people, He spoke to one man, Abraham, and set in motion His great plan that would demonstrate His love and provide a Savior to ransom all people.

When God wanted to free His people from slavery, He called one man, Moses-without speaking or leadership skills-to lead the people out of Egypt. When it was time to enter the land of promise, God had one man, Joshua, standing ready.

We are called one by one; God grants the gift of faith one soul at a time. There are no insignificant players in God's kingdom, only those who faithfully live out their lives day by day, seeking to honor and serve Him in the small and often simple tasks of daily living.

Enduring sleepless nights with a sick child, praying through long days of chronic pain, offering to serve for a church luncheon, welcoming new members with a smile of friendship, visiting sick friends or sending a card can be gifts of service. There are no small tasks. Everything we do can influence the lives around us.

There are no large or small churches, merely churches made up of individual and ordinary saints who faithfully carry out their personal purpose to the best of their abilities. It is often in the small things that we share our gifts.

Your name may never appear in a magazine or even in the church bulletin. Dear sisters, God knows your name and the tasks He has given to be completed only by you. In His name and by His strength, as we daily walk with Him, we are making a difference in our world.

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Gracious Father, thank You for using each one of us, right where we are. Please help us make a difference each day.