He Was But One

We live in a culture where bigger is better and where a person’s list of accomplishments is what garners respect in many circles.  Unfortunately, even as followers of Christ, we sometimes fall into that same mindset.  Whether it’s in our churches or in our personal lives, often our feeling of worth and value to God is based on our list of “service” responsibilities.  In our individual lives, too, we look around and so often begin to measure ourselves……usually based on comparisons with others.  It’s a discouraging trap, one sure to bring defeat.

So often life doesn’t go the way we think it will.  So many of us one day find ourselves looking around at our lives, maybe discontent and feeling of little use to anyone.  Our past or current list of involvements may be small compared to so many others.  We feel unimportant.  Who wants me to fill that position?  I don’t have the talent or ability to do that job.  Why does that person have it all?  What happened to me?  Why am I alone when others are surrounded by people?  The questions can be endless, as varied as life itself.

I was struck this week in my study of Isaiah by a verse in chapter 51.  God was encouraging the remnant of Israel.  Listen to this profound statement in verse 2:  “Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who have birth to you in pain.  When he was but one I called him; then I blessed him and multiplied him.” 

Did you see it?  God said, “When he was BUT ONE I called him.”

There was Abraham, way out in Ur of the Chaldeas.  Where on earth is that?  And who on earth was Abraham?  He was but one…..but God called him.  And Abraham set out in faith, not knowing where he was going, but knowing that God told him to go.  One man……but one……taking just one step at a time.  Steps of obedience to God.  One by one.

I am but one person.  So are you.  But one.  So was little Mary in Nazareth, and so was unimportant Joseph.  Called by God to take one obedient step at a time. 

None of our lives are unimportant in God’s eyes.  Are you feeling that way at this point in your life?  Do you feel unnecessary?  Unnoticed?  But you’re not!  None of us is unimportant to God!

Wherever you are, you are but one.  Lonely?  Set aside?  Disappointed at where you are and how things have turned out? 

Don’t listen to Satan’s discouragements.  Look to God, who chose mighty Abraham when he was but one.  God delights in our weaknesses so that His strength can be known.  If you are in a place where all you can do is pray, then pray with all your heart.  Obey God!  And know that those prayers are meaning more to others than you will probably ever see on this earth.  You don’t have to be blazing trails and impressing hundreds to be of value to God and to others.

 

“He was but one…..” 

I am but one.  You are but one. 

But how important each one is to God.  And how important we can be to others!