What Difference Does it Make?
What difference does it make? I thought, staring up at the shelves at the top of my closet, shrouded in darkness as I sat up in the late hours of the night.
The Bible sat open on the floor beside me, the words having blended together as I read them. My legs were folded, arms cradling them, and silent tears swam softly down my cheeks. My bones ached, my muscles sore, and my body quivered.
What difference does it make?
I imagine that you–like myself– have come to a point, or will come to a point, in which your surrounding circumstances are so suffocating and seemingly endless that you wonder what’s the point?
Is the extra 30 minutes of studying each night really making a difference? Would it really matter if I didn’t push myself as much on this lift?
This is all the more true in spiritual matters. Why should I keep pursuing them? Is this continuous and consistent coming before the Word making that much of a difference? Months of prayer, and little change. Why should I keep praying for them when you seem to utter no answer, Lord? What’s the point of time and laborious intercession for one who doesn’t seem to care that you exist?
What difference does it make?
I would encourage you with this, friend— it does make a difference. A huge difference. How? Let me offer you some words of encouragement.
God is Working in You
As we pour out our heart before God, we are reminded that He is sovereign. With each page of His Word that we read, His character is displayed. As we engage in evangelistic efforts, we recognize the reality that this is about so much more than just us.
God is Working Through You
As we pray, God continues to work in the lives of those on whose behalf we pray. His Word sanctifies our heart, and as our heart changes, so do our eyes to see the needs of those around us. God uses seeds we plant to give growth in the lost.
God has softened my heart from anger, and destroyed my pride. He has opened my eyes to opportunities and segways to share the Gospel. And He has done so through His Word, by His Spirit, through the days I didn't think mattered much. He has been faithful to use even my most meager efforts.
If you're a discouraged follower of Jesus seeking to be a difference-maker, be diligent–even in the things you don’t think make a difference. Those are the moments where I have seen God work in magnificent ways.
If you’re confused about this whole ‘Christianity’ thing, and wondering what difference following Jesus makes, I will tell you from my experience that He has changed everything.
Pursue truth. Press on. Prioritize the eternal.
It makes all the difference.
Camille Istre is a follower of Jesus, a student, and a writer. Her time is spent on academic, athletic, and writing endeavors, and she especially enjoys time outdoors and with family, as well as reading. You can find some of her writing here.