Insignificant

I get an online devotional from The Upstairs Room (a methodist devo magazine) in my e-mail everyday. Like anything, sometimes they are great and sometimes I don't connect with them. I really liked the message in todays however. Often as I struggle to try and make a difference in the world I feel completly insignificant. Like there is nothing I can possibly do to make anything any better. Yet the message in this devotional is very simple and heart warming. God has made me and chosen me for specific things in the world and what I do makes a difference to him.

THE VALUE OF OUR WORK
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Acts 1:21-26 (NRSV)

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection." So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias. Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles.

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Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord . . . since you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you serve the Lord Christ.
- Colossians 3:23-24 (NRSV)
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SCRIPTURE mentions Matthias, the apostle who took Judas Iscariot's place, only once. Christians today remember him because five short verses in Acts describe the apostles casting lots to discover whom God would select to complete their number. Unlike the towering figures of Peter and Paul, we know nothing about Matthias or his accomplishments after becoming an apostle. Some might question whether he did anything significant, since he is not mentioned again.

We all have moments when we question the value of our work for Christ. We praise God for missionaries and for Christians who care for the sick, but we may wonder how our contributions can ever compare to their achievements. When I have these thoughts, the example of Matthias comforts me. God knew Matthias's heart and made him an apostle. Though Matthias did not win acclaim, he was chosen by God to fill a particular role.

As Christians, we can be sure God also has work for each of us. Whether we win wide acclaim or are known only by a few, our work's true value is found in our faithfulness.
written by Matthew Ross

Hope you enjoyed this. The upper room has lots to offer including a newer young adult area, MethodX. Check it out, I like it. (www.methodx.org)
God Bless,
your sister in Christ
~Erin