Just One Person Can Make a Difference!

I have been struck recently by the impact one person can make if they respond to the Lord in obedience. In Acts 9:10 we read, "In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias." The Scriptures do not tell us anything about Ananias’ background or upbringing, or even how he came to Christ. We never find out whether he was a leader in the church in Damascus, or whether he had a family, or what he did for a living. All we are privileged to know is that Ananias was a disciple of Jesus Christ. But that in itself tells us a great deal, for since Ananias was called "a disciple," we know that he had settled the issue of who was in charge of his life! We also see that the Lord knew Ananias by name, which means that they probably had a fairly close relationship. As a result, the Lord could entrust Ananias with the very important responsibility of praying for the future apostle Paul.

In Acts 9:10 we learn that Ananias quickly responded to the call of God by saying, "Yes, Lord." Today, there is a great need in our world for believers in Jesus Christ to say, “Yes, Lord.” There are so many issues in life that could be settled if people will just turn to the Lord and say, “Yes, Lord, I will do what you ask.” Indeed, the great challenge facing every Christian throughout their lives is to respond in obedience to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is really Lord of your life, you can never say, “No, Lord.” In fact, the words “No” and “Lord” should never really be found together, for they represent a contradiction in understanding. If Jesus is Lord, how can anyone ever say, “No” to Him?

But when we say, "Yes," great things can be accomplished! This is why there is no one who is insignificant in the kingdom of God. While we may not all have the same function or calling in serving the Lord, all of us are called to respond to the Lord in obedience. You may never know all the results of your obedience in this lifetime, but God knows. God knows that when each one of says, “Yes, Lord,” He can achieve the extraordinary through our lives.