By Alice Wilson // Biblical Wisom // EEW Magazine Online

When you look around and see all the problems in the world, as well as your personal obstacles and limitations, you may question whether you are significant enough to make a real difference. The answer is of course you are!

But that won’t stop negative thoughts and small-mindedness from teaming up against you and whispering in your ear, why should you even try?

Why?

Because God called you to be a world-changer and a difference-maker, that’s why!

If you, like the rest of us, ever feel too small to positively influence our great, big world, EEW Magazine Online is sharing 5 important lessons to remember.

#1 God gave you a sphere of influence. Whether your platform is big or small, you have a sphere of influence. And God expects you to use it to bring glory to His name. Don’t concern yourself with how many people do or don’t follow you, know you, respect you, or support you. Your only job is to be obedient to God, and He will draw those you are anointed to reach.

#2 God expects a return on His investment. God gave you the gifts, talents, passion and abilities you have for a reason. He has invested much in you and fully expects to get a return on His investment. In the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30, the Master was only angry with the person who buried what He had given them. Don’t be that person. Use what you’ve got—even if it’s only a little bit— and God will be pleased.

#3 It’s OK to feel small. We all have insecurities and moments when we feel that tasks are bigger than us, and that’s perfectly OK. Some of the greatest biblical heroes had a huge inferiority complex. Gideon, the reluctant warrior, anyone? (Judges chapters 6-8) If you have an inferiority complex, you aren’t the first and certainly won’t be the last. Even if you perceive yourself as small, remember that you serve a big God. His power works through you, His vessel, to make all things possible.

#4 Just start. Many people focus so much on what they can’t do that they never get around to doing what they can do. Just start. Who said there was any shame in starting small? They lied! Zechariah 4:10 says, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” Begin where you are. Start out with what you have. God has an amazing way of increasing and favoring those who take steps of faith.

#5 Everybody is winging it to some degree. Here’s a dirty little secret that many leaders won’t tell you: no one knows exactly what they’re doing. It doesn’t matter how much experience someone has; every person faces circumstances that leave them scratching their heads in confusion. The one quality that separates those who make a difference from those who don’t is courage. Be courageous enough to step out there and take a risk. And why not? God promises to lead you if you ask.

Every day, do your best and trust God to do the rest. All He asks is that you use your tools, your talents, and your techniques to make an impact. Get out there and see. You will be amazed by how God uses you to do big things.

Now go. There is work to be done.