You’re a mom who’s raising your children the best way you know how, yet you find yourself second-guessing if you’re doing enough.
You’re a teacher of teenagers, and most days it feels both your words and efforts are going in one ear and out the other.
You’re writing your heart out, however it appears as if your words aren’t reaching many, if any.
You’re doing your absolute best in your job, but it must not be good enough for anyone to notice.
You may question why you’re doing what you’re doing. You wonder if you’re having an impact. You ponder if you’re making any sort of difference. To your family. To your neighbors. To your community. To your customers. To anyone.
Friend, what you’re doing is impacting the lives of others.
You ARE making a difference. You ARE having an impact.
Even when you question it. Even when you don’t “feel” it or see it. Even when no one tells you so.
You’re not the only one. I question this, too. Sometimes more than I’d like to admit. When I do, however, I am promptly reminded God has me right where He wants me, to have an impact on those He puts in my path.
He has you where He wants you, too.
I’m one who believes (and has personally experienced) when our heart is set to following God, He’ll direct us where He wants us to go. We can have confidence if God wants us somewhere else, He’ll move us. If not, He’ll keep us right where we are.
You have an impact, right where you are.
And it’s a beautiful one.
You may not be “saving the world,” or feeding the hungry, or ministering to thousands (or maybe you are!), but the impact you are having on those whom God has placed in your life is just as essential. No matter if it’s one or hundreds. It’s an impact only you can have, and it’s a part of God’s plans–for your life and for theirs.
Your impact is significant.
Friend, keep doing what you’re doing to raise your children right.
Keep teaching those teenagers. They are catching more than you think.
Keep writing and sharing your story. There’s no one else who has yours, and no one can tell it like you can. You are touching more lives than you know.
Keep doing your best in your job. God sees your efforts, and will reward you, even if no one else does.
God is using you in profound ways, more than you realize.
And that, my friend, is a truth you can rest in.
Much love and celebrating you,
Julie
It’s a joy to link this post with Coffee For Your Heart and Three Word Wednesday.
God uses it all, doesn’t he? Even when we don’t realize we’re making a difference around us, God manages to use whatever we have to offer for his glory. So thankful for this message – and that you linked up at my place today!
He sure does, Kristin! Looking forward to getting to know you better through Three Word Wednesday. Thank you for hosting the link! Blessings!
Thank you for sharing this timely message, Julie. Yesterday was a tough one for this blogger and I started to question why I work so hard doing what I am doing. I have a much better perspective today, thankfully. This is just the encouragement I needed. Bless you!
Heather, I completely understand. I’m with you, and I still ask those questions. But God has called us to write, and that’s what we do until He tells us to do something different. I’m praying God blesses you and encourages your heart. Keep sharing. You are making a difference through your words. Thanks for visiting today. It’s a joy to “meet” you! Bless you.
This is one area where we can draw from eastern thought…even if what you’re doing is definitely not affecting anyone (it is possible to be that isolated1), it’s still worth doing whatever you do with a full and positive heart.
They call it “increasing the good karmic energy”, or something. I look at as analogous to the positive ions that are released at the leading edge of a rainstorm; you can recognize it from the “ozone” smell. They don’t DO anything, but they’re good for us, and they make us feel better.
Great post.
Thank you, Andrew. God bless you, especially today!
Thank you, Julie! I definitely needed this confirmation this morning. Some days I wonder why I’m doing what I’m doing…if it matters. And your words reminded me of why I started writing to begin with. It matters. God will use my meager efforts and turn them into something beautiful as long as I’m faithful to be obedient. Your encouragement is truly a blessing!
Thank you, friend. Your encouragement to me is a blessing as well. Your presence here matters, to me and to your readers. I hope we can meet some day soon. My heart would rejoice! Keep writing. Keep sharing. Keep making a difference. I appreciate you so!