History has always been one of my favorite subjects. Growing up, I learned about a man named Nathan Hale. He was an American spy during the War for Independence. Eventually, the British discovered his true identity, and he was executed. His famous last words were, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” In that moment, Hale wanted more lives to live in order to serve his country. He probably thought that he had so much more to give, more things to accomplish.
What about you? Do you ever feel that one life isn’t enough to make an impact for the kingdom of Christ? It is so easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed with the task at hand. It seems that everywhere I look horrible things are happening in the world, and the number of lost people is at an all time high. As a Christian, this burdens me because I want everyone to know the love of my Heavenly Father. I want people to experience God’s grace and what a life radically changed by Him truly feels like. However, it is impossible for me to come in contact with every single person on this earth.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is where you come in. God has blessed us individually with unique gifts of our own to witness to others. You will most likely be an influence to a different group of people than the ones God has prepared me to influence, and that is okay. Actually, that is the way God intended for it to be. When we all come together to do our part for His kingdom, more lives will be changed, and His word will be spread throughout the world.
This is great! Sadly though, we allow things to hinder God’s overall purpose. Some Christians are still stuck in their past. They worry about past mistakes, and they live their lives in regret. God’s word says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” Friend, stop letting the devil remind you of past mistakes and wrongs because you have been made new! Those things no longer define you. You are a child of the Lord! Other Christians have their life set out on a time table. They think things like, “Surely by now I would be this type of person.” or “I thought that I would have this certain thing by this time in my life.” For those of you struggling with this, I can relate to you because I also have felt this way. I am a planner when it comes to the overall scheme of my life. Some things that I originally envisioned happening in my life by now didn’t happen, and for a long time, I let it bother me. Thankfully, through God’s grace, I am now okay with it because His plans are far greater than mine. Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.” Planners, God has you right where He wants you to be at this exact moment. Rest in His sovereignty. Then there are Christians who are selfishly living like the world. Romans 6:1-2 says, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” Fellow Christian, do not lose focus! Whatever sin you find yourself in, stop it! Repent and get right with the Lord.
When you set these things aside and intentionally seek the Lord, you will find that He truly has prepared you to fulfill His mission. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the Bible states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Through His word, God Himself equips you for any and every task set before you. Claim that for yourself and start fulfilling His purpose for your life. Once you do this, you will find that one life is more than enough to accomplish His plan.