All around us, there are people who need Christ, and need to be touched by His love. Are you praying for them, and are you asking God to help you reach out to them?
Q: Our pastor keeps urging us to serve God, but how can I? I'm not talented at anything, and as an older person and a widow I don't have a lot of money to give, and my health isn't the best. I feel kind of useless, to be honest. -- Mrs. N.C.
A: Listen, you aren't useless in God's eyes! God uses all kinds of people to accomplish His work -- most of whom will never make the headlines or even be noticed by others.
Paul thanked God for the Christians in Corinth, although "Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth" (1 Corinthians 1:26).
In other words, it's a mistake to think that God only uses preachers or Bible teachers or missionaries (although we certainly should be thankful for them and uphold them in our prayers). God knows your gifts and your circumstances, and He can use you right where you are.
What can you do? First, ask God to make you an example of Christ's love to others. All around you -- even in your church -- are people who are lonely or hurting, and God can use you to encourage them and let them know they are not alone. A gentle smile, a kind word, an opportunity to visit -- God can use these to assure them of His love.
God can also use you in the lives of others through your prayers. I am convinced that we will never know this side of Heaven what effect our prayers have had -- but God knows, and He commands us to pray for those in need. Even when we're sick or set aside because of our age, we still can pray. Remember the Bible's promise:
"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16).
(Send your queries to "My Answer," c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.)
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