Reminders for LifeSample

Recognize Your Influence

There are around 7.7 billion people in the world. That’s a lot and maybe a bit overwhelming. How can we actually make a difference? Does what we’re doing even matter? 

We all have a unique purpose and calling, but sometimes finding your place in the world can be difficult. Sometimes we may feel expendable or nonessential. Or we may feel unseen and unappreciated. Or we think what we’re doing is so small that it doesn’t matter. 

Do you know what Naaman’s wife’s maid would tell you? Your voice matters. 

In 2 Kings 5, we meet an Israelite girl who was captured. We don’t learn her name, and we don’t know her whole story. We only really hear about her and from her for two verses. But in those two verses, she managed to change someone’s life. 

When she was captured, the Israelite girl became the maid of Naaman’s wife. Naaman was a leader in the Syrian army who had leprosy. After some time had passed, the girl told Naaman’s wife that he could be cured of his leprosy if he went to a prophet in Samaria (2 Kings 5:1-3). 

Because of her suggestion, Naaman traveled with some men and ended up meeting Elisha, the prophet, and getting healed. But he left changed in more ways than that. Once he was healed, Naaman proclaimed that “the God of Israel is the only God in the whole world” and declared he would be only making sacrifices to the God of Israel (2 Kings 5: 4-19). 

One piece of advice. One suggestion. One invite. One smile. One text. One minute can change someone’s story, life, and more importantly, their eternity. So, when you feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to say something or do something, do it! 

Your position doesn’t determine your power or your influence. The Israelite girl isn’t named and is only really in two verses in the entire Bible. But she knew her power and her influence. 

Sometimes we may get caught up in having our name on that thing or with the 7.7 billion people in the world knowing that we had a part in doing something miraculous. But it’s not about being known; it’s about making Jesus known. 

The Israelite girl probably got to see Naaman when he came home, and she might have gotten to see that her small suggestion had a powerful impact. But we may never now the impact we’ve had on this side of heaven. And that’s okay. We plant the seeds, and we have to leave it up to God to produce a harvest. 

So, what one thing do you need to do today? 

Pray: God, thank You for giving me purpose. Thank You for working everything for my good and the good of others. Help me hear Your voice clearly. Lord, please help me and guide me in doing one profound and small thing today that will impact someone else. Amen.