Morning Devotional
December  9, 2005
"Just One"         
    by Don Emmitte

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who had heard what John said and then followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "You are Simon, the son of John--but you will be called Cephas" (which means Peter). (John 1:40-42 NLT).

 

Did you ever stop to think how very important you are in God's economy and his plans? Pretty much throughout the entire Bible when God had a work to be done, he chose and called an individual to lead. True he chose the nation of Israel to be his special people but he chose individuals to lead this nation to do his work. God has a place for you and me too in his plan. It may not be a gigantic role but it is an important one.

 

Think of the twelve disciples, for example, who were all a vital part of God's mission. Half of them never said anything that is recorded in the New Testament. And, three of them said only a word or two that was recorded. And Andrew who didn't have much to say but in his own quiet way brought Peter, who became the early church leader and evangelist, to Jesus. Andrew was also the one who brought the boy with the two loaves and fishes to Jesus that Jesus used to feed the multitude. It was only Peter, James, and John that we heard much from. So, whether your task is great or small, God wants to use you to be a part of his plans and what he is doing in your world today. All we need is to be available. As the anonymous poet wrote:

 

    One song can spark a moment,
    One flower can wake the dream.
    One tree can start a forest,
    One bird can herald spring.
    One smile begins a friendship,
    One handclasp lifts a soul.
    One star can guide a ship at sea,
    One word can frame the goal.
    One vote can change a nation,
    One sunbeam lights a room.
    One candle wipes out darkness,
    One laugh will conquer gloom.
    One step must start each journey,
    One word must start each prayer.
    One hope will raise our spirits,
    One touch can show you care.
    One voice can speak with wisdom,
    One heart can know what's true.
    One life can make the difference,
    You see it's up to you!

 

In the words of Edward Everett Hale: "I am only one. But still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." Don't ever forget how very important you are, not only to your loved ones, your work, but also to God. Remember, too, if it's going to be, it's up to you and me!