Recently, I had the privilege of being a small part in seeing some prayers answered that others had prayed for years.
It reminded me that we each have a part to play in the grand story God is telling. History is really His-story. This includes the history of the world and your own personal history.
If you are like me you can get in a funk from time to time and think your part in the story isn’t big or important. We can start to question whether we’re really making a difference.
But the truth is your part is bigger than you know…let me explain.
Just this week I had the honor of helping a guy become a Christian. It was the highlight of my week!
As I met with him in our local library (we’re in-between offices) and listened to his story it was so clear to me that God had been pursuing him for a long time and it was becoming clear to him too. He was finally ready to accept that Jesus was who He said He was (John 14:6).
The Holy Spirit spoke to him through my message on Christian Sex (Who would have thought that would be the message to change his mind?). The Holy Spirit asked him a simple question during the message… “When are you going to commit to Me?”
Others had faithfully prayed for him, loved him, and patiently answered his questions for the last 3 years. This was the first time we had ever met. He had just moved to the area and it was his first Sunday at our church.
The entire experience reminded me of a quote that has been attributed to Billy Graham:
“It takes 20 people to lead someone to Christ. The first person thinks they had nothing to do with it and the last person thinks they had everything to do with it.”
I’m not sure “20” is a scientifically verified number, but I am sure conversion never rests on the shoulders of just one person.
In this particular moment I just happened to be #20. As I listened to his story it was pretty amazing the people God had brought into his life to help provide guidance to him on his journey to Christ.
I had a part to play, but it was a small one. I can’t imagine it was my message on New Testament sex that convinced him. 🙂 He heard the still small voice and he responded. Today was the day of his salvation.
Did you know that God has determined the exact place in the world you will live (where) and the precise time in history you will live (when)?
Why? Because right where and when you live is the best chance you’ll have to respond to God’s invitation of a relationship with you. (Acts 17:26-27)
I also believe it’s the best place for you to help others on their spiritual journey too.
Last year I had the joy of helping a strong man step across the line of faith. His wife had prayed faithfully for him for 25 years. Over the last quarter century many other pastors and Christians had faithfully prayed and invested in his life. I was just the one who had the privilege of completing the loop.
It brought me great joy to be a small part of that very special moment.
Why is it we don’t get the same joy from being #1-#19? Those parts are just as important.
It’s easy to believe the lie that we aren’t making a difference or that the needle isn’t moving, especially if you’re #1, #8, or #17. But we don’t have God’s perspective. We don’t know which number we are in helping introduce people to Jesus.
God isn’t asking you to do all of the parts #1-#20. He is only asking you to faithfully do your part with each person He brings across your path. Let that sink in. Every person God brings across your path is for you to help move them closer to Jesus. He is intentionally having your path cross with others because you matter to their story.
Your part is not only changing their personal history, but moving them closer to changing their eternal destiny.
So the next time it feels like God isn’t using you or nothing is happening remember it’s not always obvious which # person you are. Maybe you are exactly in the role He has gifted you for. One thing is for sure you are when and where God wants you.
It’s probably worth mentioning that the next time you’re #20 don’t start thinking it’s because you’re so gifted or “anointed” either.
If today you find yourself praying for a heart to change or soften. Don’t stop! God is hearing your prayers and is working now…right now…in ways you don’t see or understand yet and through people you don’t even know. Continue in faithfulness and patience. God wants them to know Him even more than you do and He is bringing people across their path to help them do just that.
The only thing we are responsible for is our part. Do you part with each person who crosses your path today.
