The Power of One

Page Two

In fact, whenever God has had a job to do, he has almost always chosen and called an individual—one person! True, some of these people were talented. Most were very ordinary. Think of the twelve disciples Jesus chose to introduce Christianity to the world. Several were fishermen. One was a despised tax collector. Another turned out to be a traitor. According to one Bible teacher six of these disciples apparently never said anything important enough to be quoted in the New Testament. Three were quoted briefly and only three were heard in any length.

The people God uses are those with character traits such as the following:

First, they have faith. They believe in God. This doesn't mean they don't have any doubts. Even John the Baptist had his moments of doubt about who Jesus really was. And Thomas, the doubting disciple, wanted proof that Jesus had risen from the dead and said, "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe."³ Actually, if we didn't have any doubts from time to time, we wouldn't need any faith!

Faith is actually a choice. It is choosing to believe God regardless of our feelings.

In the Bible "Hall of Fame" all of the people listed who achieved great things for God were men and women who believed that God would do through them what he said he would do. It was "by faith" that they achieved what God called them to do. It took commitment and hard work, too, but without faith they never would have even begun.

God, I'm available today. Please
make me usable, and help me to be
be as Christ to someone today.

Second, the people God uses are available. Years ago I told God I hated doing a major part of the work that I believed he had called me to do because I was afraid. "However, God," I said, "if you want to use me, I'm available, but you'll have to do it through me because I'm too scared." Today, the written word I believe God has called or used me to write has been used around the world to influence thousands for Christ. I believe this is primarily because I told God I couldn't do his work in my own strength but was available for him to use. I believe God will use anyone who genuinely prays the same prayer and makes the same commitment.

I like to pray the following prayer every morning: "God, I'm available again today. Please make me usable, and use me to be as Christ in some way to every life I touch today." Imagine the difference it would make in our world if everyone who believed in God would pray this prayer and really mean it. Each one of us could and would make a difference, and together, we could help make our world and our nation a better place in which to live!

Third, the person God uses uses what he or she has and doesn't worry about what he or she doesn't have. Each person, in God's economy, is unique in his eyes. Each has been given specific talents and abilities to use to help fulfill their God-given life purpose. My life purpose is as follows: "to love, serve, trust, obey, and worship God, and enjoy him forever; to discover grace and truth, healing and wholeness, beauty and wonder, love and peace, and empower as many people as possible to do likewise by introducing them to Jesus."

May I encourage you to seek God and discover your life purpose and then use the abilities he has given you to fulfill that purpose. Do this and you, too, will be one person who will make a difference in your world and you will not have lived in vain.

1. The Win Arn Growth Report, Number 36.
2. MADD organizational brochure.
3. Mark 20:25.

P.S. One simple way you can be used of God to influence many others for time and eternity is to become a People Power for Jesus Partner. See how online at: http://www.actsweb.org/people_power.php

Continued on Page Three Back to Page One

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5. All articles on the ACTS International website are by Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise noted.

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