Finishing projects makes me happy, whether it’s washing a load of laundry or dishes or a writing 150,000 word novel. Granted, I don’t like to wash dishes, but I like to see that the dishes are done. And there’s a great sense of accomplishment after they’re finished.
But have you ever done something that succeeded beyond your expectations? Have you ever completed a project that made a difference far beyond what you had planned?
Yes, sometimes success is a result of our hard work. Our hard work certainly contributes to it. But there are other times in life (I’ve found that it’s most times in my life) that my success has less to do with how hard I’ve worked and more to do with how God chooses to use the work I’ve done.
The gym at NewSpring Church during Judgement House 2013, Wichita, KS
Today’s verse is Ephesians 3:20.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
If you’re a Christ-follower, everything you do can have a purpose. Everything you do for other people, no matter how small, can grow to become something God can use to change a life. And that’s not something that happens on its own or because of you; it’s God working through you that makes the difference.
We don’t have the power on our own to change anything, to accomplish anything of great significance, to heal the hurting or the find the lost. All of that is outside the realm of our ability, but God does it through us every day. With God, those small acts of kindness become big heart-changing victories. With God, the tiniest deed done in His name can endure for a lifetime.
How often do we thank Him for that? How often do we recognize Him as the one who makes the difference?
This blog is a great example. It started with me trying to get focused in the mornings, but what it has grown into is a source of encouragement for hundreds and hundreds of people. Yes, I get up and write it. Yes, I do the work behind it. But all I’m doing is transferring my heart and my thoughts onto a blog post; God is the one who takes those words and uses them to touch hearts.
I didn’t ask Him to do it, either, and I certainly didn’t expect it. But as January begins in a couple of weeks, I will mark the beginning of my fourth year of daily devotional writing. This year I published my second devotional book, and a couple of new followers tag along after this blog every month. It’s amazing!
So what are you doing today that God could use to change the world? Whatever it is, if you trust it to God, He will make it bigger and more effective than you can imagine. No act is too small that He can’t use it. No person is too insignificant that God can’t take their talents and use them to bless people.
So dream big and don’t be afraid to do something for God. Believe me, He can take your tiny little achievements and use them to influence people for ages and ages to come.
Always Peachy 