Making a Difference

A series of difficult events led a man to feel so devoid of hope that he believed his best option was to end his life.

As Dan was driving to the location where he intended to take his life, he stopped to buy gas for his vehicle. While walking back to his vehicle, moments from driving away to his demise, a man he vaguely knew called out to him.

“Hey Dan, what are you doing Tuesday night?” “Nothing much,” Dan replied. “Why don’t you come to my house?” the man asked. “We’re having a group Bible study that I think you might enjoy.” Dan paused a moment and then accepted the invitation. He chose to attend and see if the Bible study might help him turn a corner in his life. He continued to attend the Bible study week after week, gave his life to Jesus, was baptized, and became active in ministry and a vital part of his local church.

All because someone reached out to him.

Obviously, God prompted the man to invite Dan to his home. God saw what was going on in Dan’s heart, and He knew there was not only a life hanging in the balance but also someone’s eternal life. And that included the eternal life of all who would be reached through Dan’s conversion. Only eternity will be able to measure the impact of that one simple invitation. When God prompts you to encourage someone, or invite someone, or to reach out to someone, follow that prompting.

It might be that you will never know the extent of how God used you. When you follow God’s prompting and extend yourself to make even a small difference in someone’s life, God is always honored. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Every believer is called by God to add flavor, to impart a preserving quality, and to make a difference to his or her circle of influence.

Expect God to make a difference through you as you make yourself available to be used by Him.