The Power of One

Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous. – Romans 5:18-19

photo credit: ecstaticist via photopin cc

photo credit: ecstaticist via photopin cc

One can have power. Power that is so far-reaching, it may not be fully known in that person’s lifetime.

But this is not about your power or mine. No.

This is about the bad way that the word “small” makes us feel.

Each of you, no matter who you are, no matter where you’re from or what your abilities are… each of you makes a difference to someONE.

Jesus loved one person at a time. He focused. He didn’t get distracted by those he hadn’t reached yet. He just loved on the person in front of Him. He fed those He was with, and He taught those who listened.

Christ trusted that those who needed Him would be brought to Him by God. Or God would lead Him to them. And no matter how lost that person seemed, Jesus did what He could.

Do you get distracted by how small you feel in the big scheme of things? Do you get frustrated if your numbers show you’ve only reached single digits today?

Are you a person who has no “numbers”? Perhaps you feel that post you just made on facebook, or that message you just sent isn’t all that important. The world would keep on turning without it, wouldn’t it?

Maybe that child you hugged today… maybe you’re the only person who hugs him… ever. Maybe that clerk you smiled at… maybe that was the excuse she needed to look at things from a fresh perspective.

Let me tell you something. You may just be saving a life today. You may just be saving a soul. You may be the specific answer to someone’s prayer. Is it not enough if it’s only ONE that is reached? ONE that is touched?

You have power. Power that is so far-reaching, it may not be fully known in your lifetime.

Keep focusing on the one in front of you. Keep trusting that God will cross your path with those who need you. Keep doing what you can.

One matters. You matter.

So He told them this parable, saying, “What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? When she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin which I had lost!’ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:3-10

Father, thank you for Your focus. Help me to bring that into my relationships with others. Let me not get distracted, not ever. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…


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May God Bless You,

Shelly

12 Comments on “The Power of One

  1. Thank you, Shelly. This is just beautiful. We CAN make a difference, once person at a time. Thank you for this gentle reminder. God Bless!

    • God reminded me, Ingrid, so I thought I’d pass it along. 🙂 Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  2. Shelly, once again the Lord used your words to speak directly to my heart. At times, due to my illness and limitations, I feel as if I am useless to God’s kingdom and then right about that time, the Lord allows me to hear how a card that I made and sent to someone got to that particular person just when they needed it … just one person …. but it DOES make all the difference. I really believe that we will be surprised when we get to Heaven how many “ONE persons” the Lord actually allowed us to influence that we never even realized we were helping here on earth …. just a smile … just a hug …. just a phone call … just a card … just a text message. Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to be used by you no matter our physical limitations or struggles and thank you, Shelly, for the personal reminder to me to keep reaching out in the “small”ways one person at a time. You are a great blessing to me!♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

    • Oh, you are such a light, Barb! In my life and I’m sure in so many others! Every glimmer counts in this dark world, so thank you for shining! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

    • Oh, yes, that’s SO important, Laura! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  3. I’m so glad I hopped over to your blog from the Thankful Thursday link-up party 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing your insight on power! It’s often a struggle for me to find any hint of power in my life but I will take what you’ve shared with us for sure! 🙂

    • Oh, Claudia, the power you have in the life of even one is irreplaceable! I’m so glad to meet you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  4. This post is of huge significance- we all so need to be reminded of this. I have been so blessed by reading your words today, and encouraged. You spoke from your heart to mine, as you so often do.
    Right now, YOU are the one right in front of me- and I thank God for you and the blessing you are in my life.
    The insights you share with your readers bless us daily.
    I pray for special Easter blessings for you- May he reveal His vast love for you in a new way that lifts you up and brings you JOY.
    with love,
    Mary,

    • Thank you, Mary for always ministering to me! Love you! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

  5. We think SO much alike, dear Shelly. I have blogged on this topic that “ONE is enough” so many times… it’s not about the numbers but rather the relationships… Especially when we are following Jesus. Thanks for sharing this over at #EverydayJesus
    Sharita recently posted…21 Truths: God SavesMy Profile

    • Oh, Yes, Sharita, that personal connection is what makes the difference! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3

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