I’m Just One

Richard Thetford

Have you ever thought to yourself that “I’m just one?” You may have thought things like, “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 so, maybe it would help to spend time remembering some familiar Bible stories. Consider the importance of one person (or just a few persons) when:

•       Noah saved the human race from total destruction 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.

•       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 you think, “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 want to encourage all of us to get busy in the Lord’s kingdom. “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).