In episode 180, “How to Make a Difference”, we talk about aligning your faith and your works with God’s will. When we can leverage our skills and experience into God’s plan, we can make good changes in the world to further His kingdom. We begin our book study mini series over Autumn Miles’ book, “I Am Rahab” in episode 172, and it goes through episode 187. Learn how Rahab’s story mirrors our lives of being touched by God and fully restored.
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Changed World
As Christians, God has called us to go out into the world and tell people about the greatness of who He is. The gospel message is what we can live out, talk about, and walk others through while we’re on this side of heaven. Know that God is going to equip you along the way as you walk where He is guiding you. No sweat, He’s got everything you need.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19
As we seek to lead others to Jesus, we, in turn, follow and trust God more. This process begins to slowly transform us into becoming more like Christ every day. Remember, if you want to see a positive difference in your world, start with where you are and what actions you can take. You are constantly influencing those around you to some degree, so we need to be mindful of how we’re living out God’s plan for us. In this part of episode 180, “How to Make a Difference,” we discuss ways to keep ourselves on track, along with a couple of through provoking questions for the listener. Be sure to scroll back up and press play!
Faith & Works
There has always been tension between faith and works. Can one work without other? Are both supposed to play a role in faith? Here’s the answer. Fully have faith in God while working hard for Him too. Embrace the tension. In the Bible, Rahab was fully confident God would come through for her, and she put in the work to make sure she and her family was kept safe. This combination of faith and works helps point others to Christ.
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
James 2:17
It can be easy to hide behind a curtain of comfort, or or say there is no time to serve others, but this is where you can get creative. If you’re in a busy season, complete a time audit and find space to help or guide others. This can even mean praying for people. If you want to know how to make a difference in this world for the better, asking God will certainy help. Here are four (of several) ways we can hear from God:
- Read your Bible regularly
- Pray constantly
- Christian community
- Tell others about God
In the Waiting
Raise your hand if you like waiting…No one? Yeah, we get it. No one just absolutely loves waiting. In fact, there are times that we can even question God’s plan and when He’s going to act. That feeling is challenging, but we know that we can put in the work while we’re waiting for His promises.
Friendly reminder, God can use anything for His glory, even in the waiting. If you’re going through a rough patch in life, know that God finds a way to make it good in the end.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
1 Peter 5:10
To help get your heart in the right spot when facing difficult times, you can ask God for guidance. Trials help us grow and develop our confidence in who God is. If you’re wondering what God’s plan is for you, just ask. Take your requests to God, and then make sure you’re ready to listen and respond as you begin to hear from Him. Here are four ways you can deepen your relationship: journal, prayer, scripture, wise counsel
In the waiting seasons, we can be good stewards of what we’re given. This can mean talents, skills, location, finances, you name it. If we can learn to be good stewards, we can teach our children this skill set too!
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”
1 Peter 4:10
We hope you enjoyed episode 180, “How to Make a Difference” and that you have practical, actionable steps you can take. Be sure to check out this entire I Am Rahab mini series about learning how Rahab’s story mirrors our lives of being touched by God and fully restored. Dig deep to grow closer to God in this mini series. You can do this! We’re here to help. Click the affiliate image below to get your copy of Autumn Miles’ book.
