Making a Difference

I've been struggling lately with where to go next in my walk with God. I know He has a plan for everybody and I've been praying for God to show me the steps He would have me take. I'm still working on my faith, not that I don't believe with all my heart, I do. But its so difficult to muster the courage to live by that faith, to remember that "I can do all everything through him who gives me strength. Phil 4:13".

Its easy to let the enemy convince me that I'm not smart enough, strong enough, determined enough. In trying to find my place to serve, I've focused on looking for an organization, charity, whatever, where I can donate money or volunteer my time. But tonight, I watched a program called CNN:Heroes. They were honoring regular, ordinary people who have made significant contributions to the world. Most of them were simple people with simple ideas.

There was a guy who makes prothestic legs for people in Mexico.

A man who started a first responders service for areas hit by natural disasters.

A Hollywood nanny who sends a third of her paycheck to fund a school in her homeland for AIDS orphans.

A man from Ethiopia brought books and literacy programs to the children there.

A former inmate who started a video project to keep children in touch with their incarcerated parents.

An early morning runner has logged more than 5,000 miles running with shelter residents who receive shoes and running gear in exchange for staying clean and sober.

A woman quit her job and moved from Washington to New Orleans. Since June of 2006, she has helped 120 families rebuild and move back into their homes.

A Cambodian woman dedicated her life to providing free education, food and healthcare to kids living out of a trash dump.

A lady in Texas crosses the border several times a week to provide food, clothes and toys to impoverished families in Juarez, Mexico.

A grandmother in Somalia who started teaching 20 kids in her home now educates 1,500 girls in 6 locations. 1,000 more are waiting to enroll.

These people took what they knew and turned it into something great. Nothing special about them, besides their dedication and faith. Most of them thanked God in their speeches. I've been so conditioned to think that one person can't make a difference. But here are 10 people that did. They made a BIG difference, just by using what they already had. Most of them had no special talents, just compassion.

So what can I do? I feel certain that God planned for me to see this program, to remind me that I can do anything. I am so thankful for His little daily reminders, and that He opens my eyes to them. What will I do with this knowledge? Where do I start? I have a couple of ideas, nothing big, nothing earth-shattering. But then again, maybe to a few it will be. After all, these 10 people started small, and their projects took on a life of their own and grew.

So I will continue to pray for God's guidance. And I will quit listening to myself and listen to Him. And I will take those first steps in faith and see where He leads me. The path may change over time, but as long as I am following Him, I will never be lost.