As I was growing up, I dreamed of making my mark in this world. In high school, people would tell me to dream big or to go out and make an impact. College made me feel like I could change the world. Then I went out into the “real world.”
Most of my contributions to the work of the Lord seem so small and insignificant. I have never led a megachurch. I have never spoken to more than a few hundred people. This blog has about 50 people who read it each day. I teach two Bible studies right now that have nine people in each of them. I help lead youth group, and we currently have 17 in average attendance, and two of those are my own children.
I thought I would do more. I thought I would be more. I thought my impact on this world would be significant in some way.
Occasionally I need to be reminded of two simple truths.
1. I will never know the impact of my life. God has a way to take efforts and use them in incredible ways. Your life may touch one person. That one person then impacts three other people. One of those people may do something unbelievable for the kingdom of God. My life may be a part of a chain of events that I cannot see. I believe God can do big things with my small life that I will never know about entirely.
2. I never know what will make an impact. I have preached sermons to a small group of people who I thought were mostly asleep. Then one of the people comes to me and says, “That was just what I needed to hear.” I am shocked that God takes my below average sermon and uses it to help someone on their spiritual walk. We never know what conversations and contributions will help people in their life. Quite often the things that we think will make a significant impact are lost in the size of the spectacle. Little connections can be used in ways that I never imagined.
I need to remind myself that I am serving a big God continually. He can take my tiny efforts and use them to accomplish his grand plan.
So each day I get up, and I do my part. I do whatever task God puts in front of me. I keep working with the people he has put in my life. I do the best I can to represent him in even the smallest of ways. Who knows what God will do with my efforts?
I believe our impact on this world is significant even when it doesn’t seem big.
Second Chance Pastor 
Matt, I was born to a family who didn’t know Jesus as their Savior. There was abuse, sexual and violence. God used 1 friend who was in 7th Grade and her parents to start the difference in my life. That difference has made a difference in my families life and my children’s life and changed the generations of sickness. I pray that our family, including me will make an impact on others also. I believe from the bottom of my heart that God led you and your family to Adrian. You are making an impact on many that you do not know. I prayed for a minister that understood that they had to be organized and not wishy washy. You are more than I ever dreamed of. I have been involved in ministry besides Willow Creek over 37 years and over and over the problems that have taken place was because someone (including me I am sure) were not putting Christ first and living by the Biblical principals that all of us believe in. Your membership class is amazing. I want to take it again. It shows organization, exactly what we believe and leaves nothing in question for the people who attend and want to join ACC. God is using you! The Holy Spirit just spoke to me when I read this blog tonight! We will never know our impact on people’s lives but, I want you to know that God is working through your talents impacting more than you know! The blessing that I have is that the church is my family. Good and bad nothing has ever been as bad as the family I lived with for the first 18 years of my life. I pray that our church can impact at least 1 person like the family that impacted mine! You are appreciated!