Audience of One

Crickets.

That’s what the sound of yesterday’s post sounds like. I know it’s not for lack of visitors, but the response to Have You Reached a Verdict has been uncharacteristically quiet.

It makes me wonder, was the writing subpar? Uninteresting? Confusing?

Or was the topic too heavy? Do we struggle with the fact that our “good” life merits no more favor with God than a convicted felon’s? That grace isn’t earned, it’s given freely—to all who receive. ALL.

Instead, if I wrote about the results of my living room remodeling (which I will do soon), would the comments have flowed freely? Yes, there are times for the superficial and fun, but sometimes we need to pause and chew on the tough truths of God? Are we willing?

All I know is that the words would not let go of me until I got them out. And so I did. In my imperfect way I’m trying to go where God nudges and share what he sets in my mind. In return I trust He will use those words as He sees fit. Even if it means I put myself out there and feel a little foolish for doing so.

If you’re in a ministry-type position, you know what I’m talking about. There are times when the deafening silence makes you wonder, Is anyone listening? Are my efforts in vain? Lord, did I mishear you? Surely, the enemy wants us to cease and desist—to become discouraged, to water-down our message, to doubt. But we must listen to the One and not be dissuaded. Jesus tells us, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

God even uses the little things we do—actions we think are overlooked or of little consequence.

I design our church newsletter. I think it's a great tool, but honestly since I rarely get feedback, I wonder if anyone even reads it and if we’re just wasting our time doing it. This month as I put together the latest issue, (that was behind schedule and already full) I felt a strong prompting to spotlight the new single moms group, even though I don't normally control content. I reached out to the study's leaders, who are passionate about this group, to write something up. Because I needed it right away I gave them plenty of room to put it off until next month. Well, they jumped at the chance and wrote a heartfelt piece.

I squeezed their article in, sent the newsletter off and didn’t think about it again. Until yesterday morning. My friend who leads the single moms group sent an email saying, “I got a call last night from a woman who hasn’t been to church in a year but still receives the newsletter. She read about our group and will be joining us starting next week.”

Wow! I don't think this sort of thing ever happened. But, God did have a plan. and He used our faithful efforts to meet this woman right where she was.

My point is that most of us are not in a position to influence hundreds or thousands of people. It’s easy to look around and think others are more qualified—or effective. But, each of us is in a position to reach just one. And maybe that’s what God intends, because to Him that one matters.

I encourage you, if you feel like you’re hearing crickets, if you feel unqualified, ineffective or small, keep on keeping on. God has a unique plan just for YOU and when you follow his holy nudge, He will bless your offering.

Even if the results seem insignificant, or you never see them at all.

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10)