And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

  Have you ever heard someone say, “Someone ought to do something”? Maybe the words even came from your own mouth as you witnessed a need. We rationalize about the situation and finally decide there is nothing we can do. What we fail to realize is we can do something; we can always begin by praying.

  As I continue to recuperate, the Lord makes me aware of situations of others through phone calls, visits, books, and even television. He reminded me we all could do something. Often the problem is we think we are insignificant and give up before we even try. Now that I have thoroughly confused many, including myself, let me explain.
  I started the book of Nehemiah beginning with the first chapter. Nehemiah’s relatives came to visit and told him how the walls of Jerusalem were in total disrepair. Nehemiah had several options before him as the result of the news. He could say that it was a terrible thing and forget or he could do something about it. At first the situation was unclear and he didn’t want to do anything until he went to the Lord in prayer and fasted several days before he went to see the king. As we know, Nehemiah later went to Jerusalem and helped rebuild the walls. He not only prayed that something be done, but he also took action-putting feet to those prayers.

  The Lord was with him resulting in the king allowing him to return to his nation’s homeland. Although he had never seen Jerusalem, he felt a burden to do something for his ancestral home. With a plan set forth through planning and the Lord’s guidance, he set out to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Although he was only one man, the Lord multiplied his obedience with the help of others to get the job done.

  It is easy to say we are only one person and have little to give, but the Bible proves that wrong. What about the time Jesus instructed His disciples to feed the multitude? They didn’t have enough money and all they found was a young boy with his lunch. (Matthew 15:36-37) Jesus took a little boy’s generous gift and multiplied it to not only meet the need, but to provide an overflowing abundance.

  God takes what we have and multiplies it beyond our comprehension to achieve His purpose. Sometimes it takes a little convincing such as the case with Moses in Exodus 4. God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and Moses was more than a little reluctant. Reading the rest of Exodus the story of the nation of Israel set free unfolds.

  In the New Testament we read over and over how Paul encouraged others to do their very best for the Lord. Like us they sometimes need just a little nudge. “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:10-11)

  One never knows what the Lord might ask of them. While it is unlikely we will be asked to do something monumental like Moses did, we might be asked to sacrifice for others as the little boy did in giving his lunch or encouraging others like Paul did.

  I watched a documentary about a man who sat in a booth all day validating parking. What seemed to be a demeaning job turned out to be a great ministry although God was never mentioned or even referred to. All day as he stamped the parking tickets he said something kind and uplifting to the other person. He always found something sincere to say about the other person. Word soon got around and people were flocking to his booth to get a word of encouragement and affirmation.

  While we may not be asked to deliver a nation from an oppressive leader, all of us can do something for others. During this time of recession in our country we can give to those who are less fortunate. The Ministry of Hope always needs volunteers and donations. Even a word of encouragement can change the world, one word at a time. What has God called you to do?