A Prayer to Make a Positive Impact
By Ashley Moore
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5, NLT
Unable to contain my deep desire to share my story with others, I began writing. At first, my passion was fueled by the hope my experiences would offer and the opportunity to share Jesus. As I began to hone my craft, I discovered that people considered writing good when it could poignantly answer a question or respond to a need. But, I've concluded that the gospel is the root answer, the ultimate solution to every problem.
You see, I started out writing with the end goal of sharing my story. But the Lord turned that on its head by having me focus on Him, His story first. Then as a byproduct, I’ve been afforded opportunities to share with others. Isn’t that just like the Lord, though? It has been said that His kingdom is an upside-down kingdom. Meaning that to the world, the things of God often seem odd and a bit out of order. But it's not God's kingdom that is upside-down; it's the world that has it backward.
What about you? Is there a desire God has planted in your heart? Maybe a story you want to share? Or perhaps you are in need of encouragement and looking for someone to stir your faith?
Maybe you began moving toward this desire only to find your efforts futile. No one flocked to hear your story, read your words, or give any credence to your great idea. No one noticed or tried to comfort you when you needed it most. But what if instead of allowing that to thwart our desire to make an impact, we allowed that to drive us to the source?
Jesus spoke of this heavenly dynamic when he spoke the words in our key verse. He reminded all who listened that He is the vine. He is the supplier of life-giving transformation. He is the one who provides the nutrients through the branches to bear fruit. And just like branches, if we race ahead of God, we can busy ourselves with lots of things. But I’m afraid that they won’t make much difference in eternity. Because we were never designed to survive apart from Him.
And this is good news for those of us with a desire to make a positive impact in the world around us. God has provided the pathway to do so. All we have to do is remain in Him. And oftentimes, when we go to Him first, He transforms us into people who show up in the ways we need most to comfort others with the comfort we have been given (2 Corinthians 1:4).
So as you begin, maybe for a second or third attempt, to chase down a desire to make a difference, try God's way instead. Before you shower others with the love and encouragement you desperately need, start by lingering a little longer over the Scriptures or praying a little more throughout the day. Ask God for help and make everything you do and say point others back to Him. After all, the biggest difference we can make in someone’s life is to help them draw closer to Him, so we might as well practice that for ourselves.
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the desire you give us to do beautiful, meaningful, and creative things in the world. And thank you that in our struggles, you equip us with what we need to love others well. Lord, forgive us when we make things all about us and neglect to point people to you. Lord, I pray that as we move toward making an impact, we would hold our desires loosely while drawing closer and closer to you. Thank you for directing our steps and sanctifying us into your image as we remain in you. Lord, that is the greatest impact we will ever have in the world anyways. Thank you that we reflect your image to a world of people created for communion with you.
In Jesus, name, amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/AaronAmat
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