Do you ever think: “I’m just one. I don’t have great talents. There are so many others. Someone else can do better than me. My work, my efforts, my contributions aren’t that significant?” Have you imagined that no one will notice if you aren’t there and don’t get involved? If so, you need to spend time remembering some familiar Bible stories. Consider the importance of one person (or just a few persons) when:
Through Noah the human race was saved from total annihilation in the global flood.
Joseph overcame being sold as a slave, rose to high office in Egypt, and ultimately helped his entire family in the midst of a terrible famine.
Moses stood up to Pharoah and delivered the children of Israel from bondage.
Joshua (and Caleb) brought back a good report on the promised land.
Gideon (and his 300 men) won a battle against a huge army.
David defeated Goliath & thereby encouraged the army of Israel to a major victory over the Philistines.
Elijah withstood the 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel.
The prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.) steadfastly proclaimed God’s word even though they were opposed and persecuted.
Through Queen Esther the Jews were saved from Haman’s plot to have them all killed.
Nehemiah single-handedly motivated and led the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
And the ultimate example. . .
Jesus, who suffered and died alone so that you and I could be forgiven of our sins and have the hope of heaven in eternity.
The next time you think, “I’m just one. My work doesn’t matter,” remember that the history of God’s people is the history of a faithful few who did what they could to serve Him. Let’s get busy!
— Greg Gwinn
