The Bible tells us that God cares deeply about each one of us, that He knew us and had a plan for us before we were even born. Every experience of our lives, no matter how painful or frustrating, is filtered through His great good will and can be used for our good and His glory.
When I begin to think I can’t make a difference in the vast scheme of things, I consider those truths and realize that each one of us does make a difference, for good or ill.
While I may not be an influencer on a grand scale, I do have an impact on each person I encounter, every single day. Whether I share a smile and a kind word in the grocery store, or pass down the aisles wrapped up in myself and ignoring fellow shoppers can make a difference, both to others and to my own mood.
If my conversations with friends and family are filled with complaints and grumbling, I darken everyone’s thoughts, but when I make the effort to comment on the many blessings and opportunities I see, it brings sunshine into our lives.
Concentrating on our joys and blessings, especially when interacting with others, fills everyone with greater hope.
Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the Lord.
Psalm 31:24 (NIV)
Keeping our focus on the blessings to be found in even the most difficult day and upon our joyous eternal hope does make a difference in each small sphere of influence. Like the ripples in a lake at the start of the rainstorm become roiling waves as they multiply, when the people of Christ work together to share the hope we have within us waves of faith spread across the land.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Whether we recognize it or not, our every action or inaction makes a difference. Make the choice to share hope today.
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NKJV)
Power Walking with Jonna 