We live in a world that is often passive in relation to making a difference and we live with a Church that is often passive in the light of injustice and needs.

So how can we make a difference in the world?

1.We need a heart after God

When Solomon was a young king, he knew he lacked wisdom, so when God asked him what he wanted he asked for “a discerning heart” to govern the people but literally in the Hebrew, he asked for “a heart that listens/obeys”. And God gave it to him and much more. God will give us such a heart if we want it too! And so initially he made a big difference.

2.We need to cultivate a heart that acts quickly

I am amazed how quickly Abraham obeyed when God told him to do something. For example when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, as a test in Gen 22, he got up early the next day to obey!! Most people would have delayed or asked God first to confirm His word, but Abraham obeyed quickly.

3.We need to trust in the Lord

We can act for the truth and to save lives because our God is great and is behind us, as His children.

So even though we may fear acting, we can trust that God will help us all the way.

For example, when Abraham’s nephew Lot was captured by a huge army, Abraham immediately set out to help:

“When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he called out the 318 trained men born in his household and went in pursuit as far as Dan.” (Gen 14:14)

He had only a few armed men but with God’s help he routed a whole army and saved Lot and his household.

4.We need to value God’s words

The prophet Samuel was just a child when he first heard God, but when God gave him a difficult message to pass into his master Eli, he obeyed, saying it as it was, despite fear of Eli’s reaction.

The Bible says even more in 1 Sam 3:19

“The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of his words fall to the ground.”

Samuel valued God’s words so much, he always acted on them. He made a huge difference through his prophetic ministry, raising up both Saul and David.

5.We must practice acting with God’s heart quickly

We often say “practice makes perfect”.

When we see a homeless person, let’s stop and offer to buy him some food.

When we see an injustice let’s speak up.

When we see someone in need in our family or at church, let’s offer help.

When we see nations without the Gospel, let’s plan to visit to share the Gospel there.

So let’s make a big difference by learning to hear God’s voice and learning to obey quickly.