Day #38: Wednesday, February 10th

Making a Difference

​Scripture References: Phil 2:4, 1 Cor. 3:6-7, 1 Tim. 6:19, Jer. 1:7-8

Devotional

Jesus said to his followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.”

Making a difference begins by you knowing that you were saved to serve and made for a mission.  It means waking up each morning expecting God to work through you in fresh new ways.  Making a difference requires you thinking in new ways and shifting your perspective and attitudes.

Think of Others
“Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too.” (Phil 2:4). When speaking with unbelievers, always be sensitive in your heart to the Holy Spirit as to their real spiritual needs.  Through caring and listening with your heart, locate where others are at in their spiritual journey and do whatever it takes to bring them a step closer to knowing Jesus.  

Think Opportunity
Pray for opportunities to witness.  Ask for courage to speak up and the discernment to see an opportunity to plant a seed when it presents itself. In Paul’s ministry he said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.” (1 Cor. 3:6-7). At the moment, you may not exactly know what your role is, but know that God is using you to accomplish your part in the harvest of another searching heart in God’s kingdom.

Think Eternally
Maintain an eternal perspective.  Instead of allowing rejection to affect you, allow your eternal perspective to encourage you knowing that people only have so long to accept God’s love and that your reward for sharing with others approaches quickly.  It has been said that “you can’t take it with you,” but the Bible teaches that you can send it on ahead by investing in people who are going there.  Paul told Timothy, “By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven—it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well.” (1 Tim 6:19 LB). 

Think Creatively to fulfill your commission.
Instead of focusing on excuses for why God cannot use you, expect Him to infuse you with His ability.  God says, “Don’t say, ‘I’m too young,’ for you must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jer. 1:7-8 NLT)  In the same way that God used the dust of the earth to create man, God will use your availability and willingness to reach others if you will only let Him.  The Great Commission is your commission, and doing your part is the secret to living a life of significance.

Prayer

Lord, I want to make a difference in other’s lives by serving them.
Help me to change the way I think about others.
I will put others first in my thinking.
I will look for opportunities.
Use my part to make a difference in reaching others.
Never again will I doubt your ability to use me.
I will make a difference in other’s lives today, in Jesus’ Name.