Today, I have a word for those of you who feel like you’re not doing enough. Maybe you have a heart for ministry and you know that God has called you to carry out big things for His Kingdom, but you feel stale and stuck. If that’s you, I want you to remember that where you are is loaded with potential! Unfortunately, we live in a culture where “big” wins the prize. Churches are recognized by their size, leaders are recognized by the number of their followers, and people mistakenly believe that influence is cultivated in quantity. However, I want to remind you that ministry is equally impactful whether it’s carried out on a large scale or in simple conversations with friends and neighbors. You see, the key to effecting change in a hurting and divided world is to care for the hearts of others. It’s not about swaying opinions or making sure that large numbers of people hear your message, it’s about ensuring that God’s love makes a lasting imprint on precious human souls. In fact, the most deeply-rooted change happens through meaningful discourse that is characterized by compassion, empathy, and connection, and that can take place anywhere.

My friend, the Lord’s hand is on your life, and you are called to make a difference in this world. Though your territory may not be as large as you would like it to be, your influence isn’t measured by quantity, notoriety, or size, but rather by your faithfulness. Right under your feet, there are treasures of impact just waiting to be unearthed — you need only to use the gifts and passions already in your possession. Within you lives the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, and He has anointed you to make a difference in the lives of those around you through the powerful act of hearing their hearts. Your mission field is full of Kingdom blessings, and your ministry will have eternal impact when you resolve to show God’s boundless and undiscriminating love to all who are within your reach.