As individuals, we are not strong enough to defeat an Army, face a giant, overcome addiction, refrain from alcoholism, withstand the weight of hate, or change the world.
But as individuals, when we are under Jesus’ Lordship, we have the power of God to defeat even the strongest of enemies, conquer addictions, stand up and support others, and make a difference in this world – one act done in love at a time.

This is about what one can do: one person; one prayer; one drop of water; one scent; one gesture; one photo; one offering; one moment; one word; one sacrifice.

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew 25:37-40

You can make a difference in the life of someone else if you are willing to: by sharing your story, by praying for them, by a gesture of giving of your time or resources, by a kind word, and by supporting those who are in despair, jail, the depths of anger, rehab, who have lost a loved one, or are homeless. By taking our time and energy to put them before ourselves, in compassion, we are pouring into them and sharing our heart with theirs. This is what God is passionate about! Some people are crying out for love without saying anything. Some people are striving for attention but are hiding in the shadows. Some people are lost and pretend they don’t want to be found, but actually wish we would see past their tough exterior and put out our hands to draw them in and give them a genuine hug.

Just as one photo can remind us of an incredible moment or vacation; just as a scent can bring to mind a time in our past; like when one raindrop freezes as it falls and lands on the jacket sleeve of a child looking through a magnifying glass and discovers the intricacies of individual snowflakes; just as one prayer for someone could soften a person’s hard heart to God the Father and they turn to Jesus for their salvation…. then know that you alone – with Jesus as your Lord and the Holy Spirit as your guide – can make a tremendous difference for God in someone else’s life. It starts with just one act. Then another. And so on… a snowball effect!

I recently met a man, Shane, who has dedicated his life to serving those in prison, jail, rehab centers, and those who are just getting out. Why does he do this? Because he used to be one of those men that was in the depths of despair, carried the weight of addiction, was imprisoned 5 times, was nearly dead multiple times, faced racism even as a child, and found a family in gangs. But then.. Jesus got a hold of him and gave him hope by healing his heart and softening it, by restoring his family relationships, by freeing him of addictions, and by giving him a purpose. This was done one step at a time. But as one man, he has given his all; including finances, time, compassion, and energy, to reach those who are in the middle of these same things. Now he and his wife serve those they can relate to and have empathy with, and their ministry reaches into 370 prisons! This is the power of what one can do, when Jesus is at the helm.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13

The ultimate sacrifice was made by one man 2000 years ago, and that was his primary purpose for living. Jesus’ death gives us the opportunity to know God the Father if we accept Jesus’ sacrifice; then we are adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters, being made right in his eyes through Jesus’ gift of laying down his very life.

”For by a single offering he has perfected for all time hose who are being sanctified.”
Hebrews 10:14

Again, through Jesus, we have the power of God to defeat even the strongest of enemies, conquer addictions, stand up and support others, and make a difference in this world – one act done in love at a time.

Food(s) for thought: “To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” – Dr. Seuss.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Theresa.
“A single act of kindness throw out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart.
“One act of obedience is better than 100 sermons.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Fun facts: After a leaf falls from a tree, its usefulness changes. Now it can be a bed for a caterpillar, an umbrella for bugs, or eventually mulch for the lawn. The power of one leaf laying down its life is multiplied when it joins forces with all the other leaves from the same tree and covers more square footage on the ground, providing protection and food for some, and fun for others of childlike sizes.

Photo by: Kari Wiseman – Caterpillar Sleeps on a Fallen Leaf

***Check out local jail/prison ministries, Celebrate Recovery, housing and other assistance for the homeless, and food pantries in your area. They are always in need of support through your resources of books, finances, food, prayers, and your time.***