I'm Just One

Have you ever thought: “I’m just one. I don’t have great talents. There are so many others. Someone else can do better than me. My work, my efforts, my contributions aren’t that significant?” Have you imagined that no one will notice if you aren’t there and don’t get involved?

If you have ever felt that “I’m just one”, perhaps you need to spend time remembering some familiar Bible stories. Consider the importance of one person (or just a few) when:

• Noah saved the human race from total annilation in the global flood.

• Joseph overcame being sold as a slave, rose to high office in Egypt, and ultimately helped his entire family in the midst of a terrible famine.

• Moses stood up to Pharaoh and delivered the children of Israel from bondage.

• Joshua (and Caleb) brought back a good report on the promised land.

• Gideon (and his 300 men) won a battle against a huge army.

• David defeated Goliath, and in the process encouraged the army of Israel to a major victory over the Philistines.

• Elijah withstood the 450 prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel and felt he alone was left (1 Kings 19:11-14). God said: “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal” (Romans 11:4).

• The prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.) steadfastly proclaimed God’s Word even though they were opposed and persecuted.

• Queen Esther saved the Jews from Haman’s plot to have them all killed.

• Nehemiah single-handedly motivated and led the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

• And the ultimate example: Jesus – who suffered and died alone so that you and I could be forgiven of our sins and have the hope of heaven in eternity.

The next time that you start thinking “I’m just one. My work doesn’t matter”, remember, that the history of God’s people is the history of a faithful few who did what they could to serve Him. I suggest that we all get busy and remain busy for God and His kingdom while we have the opportunity to do so on this earth. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).