Making a Difference

A profane fisherman becomes a persuasive preacher. 

An adultress leaves a legacy of worship.

A woman with multiple demons witnesses a resurrection.

A convicted felon receives forgiveness with his dying breath.

A murderer morphs into a missionary. 

This is what Jesus does.  He changes people.  He covers our past to change the direction of our future.  He changes minds.  He changes hearts.  He changes names. 

Every now and then I run into someone who argues that people don't change.  If I believed for even one second that was true I'd quit my job.  I'd sell cars.  I'd sell insurance.  I'd do anything other than what I'm doing now.  The reason I get up each morning and do what I do is because I believe that pessimistic opinion is wrong.  God can change anyone. 

One of my greatest fears is to one day look back over my life with regret that I didn't make a difference.  I want to live every day to make sure I never know that feeling.  The best way I know to make a difference is to help make people different.  I want to link arms with the Life Changer.  I want to make a difference by working for the One who makes people different. 

If you're currently involved in any type of minstry, and you find yourself getting discouraged, why don't you sit down and list out the people who are different today than they were when you started loving them.  Because they are a little different, a little less like they used to be and a little more like Jesus, you are making a difference.

I pray often for God to change Metro Detroit, but a prayer for God to change a city can become too abstract unless it is founded in the desire for God to change people in that city.  Politicians try to change places by changing policy.  Not me.  Places change because people change. 

By the way, a funny thing happens when you give your life to the One who changes cities by changing people.  The preacher who makes a difference ends up different. 

What's different in your life today because of Jesus?  Acknowledge the LIfe Changer again. 

Comments

[Jeff]

Often when I feel like I've somehow missed God about my purpose in life, I think about those that I've ministered to, and see how they are still growing in the Lord, and on fire for Him. Jesus is the Life Changer, and He uses us. Praise God! Great post, brother.
~Jeff

[Crysti Wallace]

Loved the post...I am still amazed as to how THE Lord of all creation got my attention and humbled that He actually uses me to impact others. It's a fact that never ceases to astound me. He really is the Life Changer and I can't wait for more people to find that out! Thanks for putting it so beautifully.

[Stephanie]

Lets just say that I am so thankful that I serve the God of Plan A, B, C, ect... So that when I don't always get it right- HE DOES! I don't know why he chose me to do the things that I have done, but I am so thankful to make even the slightest bit of difference in peoples lives, for Christ's benefit NOT for mine. God Bless

-Steph