Be the One

An African proverb teaches, “If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent the night with a mosquito.” Determination matters. How can we make meaningful contributions with a world population approaching eight billion? We all want our lives to count, to do something significant that defines us somehow. That our actions and choices can remain well beyond our lives while still helping others. It’s easier to accomplish than thought. Care to join me in the quest for success?

Christ waited for him. Having just healed ten lepers now en route to the priests to be pronounced “clean,” He waited. Would any realize how profoundly their life changed and return in gratitude?   

“Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice.” Luke 17:15 (NASB)

The healed Samaritan was astonished when he discovered that “as they went, they were cleansed.” But were there not ten? Gratitude steered the U-turn while nine missed the critical opportunity. The thankful man pointed many to Christ. Be the one.

The tumultuous tempest raged. The Sea of Galilee famously had sudden storms. Christ instructed His disciples to row to the other side, already confirming their safe arrival. But a pivotal lesson waited in the middle. Jesus remained ashore to pray before walking three miles atop the waves to join them. Although having just fed thousands with a boy’s lunch, the men were awash with fear. Seeing the Messiah defy physics, only Peter asked to partake.

“Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. Matthew 14:29 (NLT)

Just one was willing to test the waters and flung his leg over the side of the boat. Only one stood on the waves and experienced the impossible, willing to follow at any cost. Be the one.

A group of four lepers knew they occupied a lose-lose situation. A ravenous famine swallowed all hope for survival in Samaria. Either disease or starvation threatened their lives. Grasping the last threads of possibility, they went to the Aramean soldiers’ campsite for food. Unaware God had strategically driven the army away, abandoning their food and treasures, the lepers agreed to alert their city.

“Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our sin will catch up with us. Let’s go tell the king’s household.” 2 Kings 7:9 (HCSB)

Despite being outcasts, they returned, revealing an unexpected source that ended the famine and fulfilled Elijah’s prophecy given 24 hours earlier. One leprous group of untouchables delivered an entire city keeping future generations alive. Be the one.

The message is clear. Being an influencer comes by choice. Ours. It only requires one stone in the slingshot to level a giant—one arrow to hit the bull’s eye. One heart offered to God to be used for His good purpose. Unlike the mosquito, we wrongly assume one voice crying in the wilderness will never be heard or make a difference. That the numbers are against us, and such a small offering couldn’t possibly shift the circumstances. I’m sure the boy’s mother never imagined the five loaves and two fish were anything more than a light snack while she prepared lunch. Or that her son’s generosity would ultimately feed five thousand men, their wives, and all their children when placed in the hands where miracles flowed.

We need only be available. To shout, “Lord, send me!” The fields are ripe, beloved; the workers few.

Let’s each intentionally leave our mark on history’s stage—and be the one.

~

Scripture quotations marked NASB are taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. 

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.  

Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.