Saturday Morning Devotional – by Jay Sikes
Do You Ever Wonder if You Make a Difference?
Do you ever wonder if you make a difference? Do you ever feel as if you don’t? These thoughts are a great weapon of the enemy, the devil, Satan. Whether you are a Christian or not, Satan is all about wrecking any and all lives. In fact, the Bible tells us:
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“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
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Over the recent holidays, I was the object of the prowling devil. He was making me wonder if my ministry makes any difference in the lives of others. One day, I was going through the mail and I opened a newsletter from a family we support. They are the Block family and they founded a children’s home in Guatemala and named it, Village of Hope. As I read the letter, the emotions came to life as God was using this letter to encourage me. After I finished reading the newsletter, I placed the letter on a magnetic board beside my desk, especially for the next devotional I would write for Home With Grace and Joy.
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Prior to moving to Guatemala, the Block family became members of the church I was pastoring. They are an amazing family with a heart for God’s children everywhere. Their family consisted of their 4 biological children, 2 adopted children from Guatemala, 2 adopted boys from America, and they would soon adopt a baby girl from Africa while at our church. Since that time, they adopted another sweet girl from Guatemala.
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Here is a picture of this sweet family!
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So one day back then, I received a call from the Block parents, Todd and Amy. They wanted to visit with me about something. When they came over to our house, they shared that they were feeling led to completely sell out and move to Guatemala as full time missionaries. Their question to me was, “Do you think we’re crazy?”
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I responded, “If this is something you’re just wanting to do, yes you’re crazy. If this is something the Lord is calling you to do, you are not crazy at all.” Obviously, they followed the Lord’s calling.
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The newsletter reads:
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“If you are still receiving these letters it’s because at some point in the past 12 years our lives have crossed.”
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“In whatever capacity it was, I am thankful the Lord kept his promise all those years ago and sent you to partner with us.”
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As I read the newsletter, God laid on my heart that my ministry does make a difference. It was through my ministry that I crossed paths with this family. All I did was simply welcome them to our church with open arms and answered their question, “Are we crazy?” In doing so, God allowed me to see the ministry of the Blocks and the Village of Hope from the beginning. He allowed me to see His handiwork in the miracles that He has worked through this family and their obedience to follow Him.
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My message is this: It doesn’t take a lifetime of greatness to make a difference. I believe we all make a difference in one way or another even though we may not realize it.
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Do you ever wonder if you make a difference? You better believe you do! Be encouraged!
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Making a Difference Quotes
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Song
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When Jay told me he was writing a devotional about making a difference, I started planning the rest of the post. I immediately had a song in mind. Every time I hear this song, I think of the Blocks! I had no idea he was writing about their story. God’s work is amazing! Listen to the song “Do Something” by Matthew West here.
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Here is a copy of the newsletter we received that was such an encouragement to Jay.
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As you see from the newsletter, the Block family went to Guatemala and started a children’s home, Village of Hope. They have ministered to countless teens, children, and families. Talk about making a difference! To read more of their inspiring story, go to their website here. I hope the Block’s story or Jay’s testimony above was an encouragement to you, because we all can make a difference!
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Have a Grace & Joy-filled day!
Susan
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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
Thank you for this, Jay and Susan. On point and very timely!
Thank you!
LOVE this post, you guys! I wonder this all the time and am realizing just how easy it is to get stuck in our own heads when the truth almost always right in front of us. The Block family sound amazing. I mean, just look at all those smiling faces. They’re priceless just like His love. Big hugs and thank you for the encouragement today, CoCo
This is really encouraging, and such a good reminder that even the little things we do can make a difference if we are faithful and obedient. Visiting from EHH#58
I agree- every little thing we do can make a difference!!
Oh my this was such a treasure for me to have read today. I love the insights and encouragement within. I believe we make a difference. We may never know who we touch, and that’s okay. Because God does.
Thank you so much for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.
Amen!!! You are so right!