Making A Difference

We all want to do something effective in this world while we are here. The key is being faithful to what God lays on our heart.

What dreams, plans, and thoughts about the future has God given you?

What is He asking you to do to prepare yourself for this call on your life?

"Nothing compares with knowing that you are doing God's will! ... Pleasing God by doing what He asks becomes the chief joy of life." -- J. I. Packer (Knowing God's Purpose For Your Life)

Jesus speaks to those who would hear: "I am bringing you into a new ministry. The former shall be enriched and made fuller and more meaningful. I am not undoing anything. I am adding. I shall be enriching your own soul and bringing about your sanctification. Each time you launch out into a new ministry you bring new life and strength and health-building forces into operation within your own soul." -- Frances J. Roberts (Come Away My Beloved)

When God speaks to us about future ministry, we must respond in faith and take appropriate steps of preparation, awaiting the fulfillment of God's perfect timing. The Holy Spirit will give us the strength, wisdom, resources, and power we need to do what God has called us to do. -- YWAM Study Notes (Christian Growth Study Bible, NIV)

Are you a little timid at stepping out in faith? For further study it is good to remind ourselves of these Bible stories and promises: Judges 6:11-16; Luke 4:18-21; and Acts 13:1-4.

There is a universal desire among people today: to make a difference, to have a purpose for our life. The biggest roadblock in finding "where" we can be most effective is not knowing our purpose and our calling.

When we make a decision to seek God's wisdom it will mean:
(1) Getting to know God better so we can apply His wisdom in all our decisions;
(2) Waiting patiently for God to open and close doors as He engineers our circumstances;
(3) Doing what is closest at hand that we know is God's will.

For example, God's concern for the poor is evident in nearly every book of the Bible. Central to following God is seeing that the poor and oppressed around us are treated fairly.

When we cultivate a compassionate spirit, we mirror God's love and concern for a needy world.

God has given each of us a purpose for living, and when we are serious about wanting to know it and faithful to obey what He shows us, we can trust Him to guide us into that place of His perfect will. -- Elaine Wright Colvin (Treasury of God's Virtues)