Trusting God for the Results
May 29
…but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
1Corinthians 3:6, 7
The story goes… There was a man walking on the beach at dawn. He noticed a young boy repeatedly bend over, pick something up, and throw it into the surf.
As the man drew near he recognized the object of the boy’s attention. Somewhat agitated, he approached the boy, “What are you doing, young man?” he demanded.
The boy gave him a cursory nod, and said, “I’m picking up starfish and returning them to the sea, Sir. If they are still lying on the beach when the sun comes up they will die. They need my help.”
“But young man,” he said, taking hold of the boy’s shoulder, “The beaches are littered with starfish, and this beach alone goes on for miles! Why do you bother? You can’t possibly hope to make a measurable difference in the lives of all those starfish.”
The boy bent down as the sun crested the horizon. He picked up another starfish and, in one gentle and well-practiced motion, tossed it into the surf as he answered the man, “Maybe not. But I sure made a difference in that one’s life.”
†
There is a great temptation to equate success with volume. Had the young man in today’s story seen things that way he would have spent more time considering his actions than doing the right thing, and many more starfish would have died.
The greatest historical event of all time began with one man calling twelve other men, teaching them how to serve and make disciples. That single action has resulted in the salvation of untold numbers of souls. Will everyone be saved? No. Sadly, many will choose not to accept God’s offer. Thankfully, God doesn’t think like the man in today’s story.
Taking action and trusting God for the results, putting one foot in front of the other without proof that what we’re doing is making a difference, is called faith. We are called to serve…it’s up to God to make what we do grow.
Prayer
“Lord, help me walk by faith, listening for Your call, ready to take action in order to meet a need. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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