Daily Encounter: A Week-day Devotional by a staff of ACTS International.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies."¹

Throughout the entire Bible whenever God had a job to do he called a personâ€"usually just one person. When he wanted to form a nation, the nation of Israel to be his own people, he chose and called Abraham. When he wanted to deliver the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, he chose and called Moses. When he wanted a leader to take the children of Israel into the Promised Land, he chose and called Joshua. When he needed an earthly mother for the Christ child, he chose and called Mary.

From Genesis to Revelation, God's methods are peopleâ€"calling one at a time. You, too, can be one that God uses. As the unknown poet wrote:

    One song can spark a moment,
    One flower can wake the dream.
    One tree can start a forest,
    One bird can herald spring.
    One smile begins a friendship,
    One handclasp lifts a soul.
    One star can guide a ship at sea,
    One word can frame the goal.
    One vote can change a nation,
    One sunbeam lights a room.
    One candle wipes out darkness,
    One laugh will conquer gloom.
    One step must start each journey,
    One word must start each prayer.
    One hope will raise our spirits,
    One touch can show you care.
    One voice can speak with wisdom,
    One heart can know what's true.
    One life can make the difference,
    You see it's up to YOU!

As Edward Everett Hale said, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do."

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you use individual people through whom you do your work on earth. I am available. Please use me to be one person to make a difference in the world in which I liveâ€"for time and eternity. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Hebrews 11: 32-34 (NIV).

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