Leaving an Eternal Impact

Read This: “And do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for God is pleased with such sacrifices.” (Hebrews 13:16)

Think: Like Dennis, we are all broken in some ways. No matter how put together we may seem on the surface no one goes through life without experiencing pain, loneliness, and a sense of longing for love and acceptance. We can’t take away people’s problems but we can point them to the one “who delivers your life from the Pit, who crowns you with his loyal love and compassion, who satisfies your life with good things, so your youth is renewed like an eagle’s” (Ps 103:4-5).

Those of us who know the Lord sometimes take for granted the hope we have in him. We neglect to see the quiet desperation of those who don’t know they are loved unconditionally, their sins are forgiven, and someday all will be made right. We can’t wait for the perfect opportunity to reach out because there will always be obstacles—we’re busy, we don’t know what to say, it’s awkward, we’re too young, we’re too old, it’s not our spiritual gift, etc. To focus on the obstacles is to miss the big picture of what God can do in that person’s life.

The loss of life is always a tragedy as was Stacey’s, yet in her short life she was able to leave a legacy that transcends death because she took the time to reach out to others and tell them about Jesus. It’s also a tragedy to allow the precious few moments we have on earth to slip by without making the most of the opportunities to minister to others, to show kindness and mercy, to introduce people who are broken to a God who can heal. Jesus said, “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Luk 10:2). Look around, opportunities await you.

Ask: Do you remember who introduced you to Jesus? How would your life be different if you didn’t know the Lord? Can you be that person to introduce Jesus to someone else?

Pray: Spend time thanking God for sending people who took the time and told you about Jesus. (If possible, thank them in person too!) And ask God to open your eyes and lay upon your heart ways you can reach out to others.