I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. Mark 4:36 NIV
Jesus was teaching the disciples a valuable lesson about Himself, and that’s the overall theme of the story in this series. We tend to focus on the disciples and Jesus, because they are the central characters in the story, but don’t overlook the supporting cast. The Scripture says there were other boats with them as well. Jesus had left the crowds to concentrate on the disciples, but some people just couldn’t get enough of Jesus (I like people like that) and so they followed in other boats.
Think about this for a moment. When the storm came, the other boats were affected too. The same time the disciples were afraid, these other people were afraid too. When all hope seemed to be gone for the disciples (it wasn’t, but it must have seemed that way), it appeared hopeless for the other boat riders too! Better yet, when the storm was calmed, it was calmed for the other boats too! They received equal miracle that day from Jesus!
What can we learn from this illustration?
When one person struggles in their faith, that struggle affects others too! When one person is dying of cancer, it affects many other people. When one person is lost; separated from God, it drags others into sin too!
At the same time, when Jesus comes into one life it doesn’t simply change one life. It impacts others, too! I heard of a tribe in Uganda that simply would not accept the gospel. The missionaries did all they knew to do, but there was so much rejection from the people. Finally one missionary discovered that the chief of the tribe was telling the people not to accept the Gospel. The missionaries changed their strategy and began to witness to the chief. He received Christ and, by his example, the whole tribe was saved.
I have been sharing this statistic I heard (source unsure) everywhere I go recently. If you reach a child for Christ, you have a 20% chance of reaching the entire family for Christ. If you reach a mother you have a 40% chance of reaching the entire family. If you reach a father, you have a 90% chance of reaching the entire family for Christ! Wow! We need to be reaching some dads for Christ! (and some children...and some mothers...and some aunts and uncles and friends, etc.)
You may only impact one person in your life for Christ. It may be those precious children you are raising or someone with whom you work. The fact is that the results of your efforts will not be limited to just one person. God will multiply His efforts through you a thousand fold.
Reach those people in your boat of life and other boats will be reached as well!
More Information
Interested in getting
Mustard Seed Thoughts in your email box?
Enter your email below to add or update your subscriptions to
Mustard Seed Thoughts.
Check out Ron's Blog at www.ronedmondson.com
Mustard Seed Ministry is a non-profit, donor supported outreach, touching thousands with encouragement and hope everyday. If you would like more information about the ministry or would consider supporting this work financially, check out the website at www.mustardseedministry.com.
All materials © 2008 Richard G. Schlief.
Additional © noted where applicable.
Our
Privacy Policy
RSS Feed