This year’s NFL Draft is over and now our attention shifts to seeing how these rookies actually fit in with their new teams. Coaches expect the players who were drafted early to make an instant impact on the field, while teams that drafted for need hope to see their draft picks immediately contribute at specific positions.
As much as fans and teams want to see rookies become great right away, it doesn’t always happen like that. Some players need more time to develop, mature, and grow into becoming an NFL starter.
Everyone isn’t going to instantaneously make an impact, but as they prepare and learn, it will eventually click for them. There’s an urgent patience that must be exercised by both the players and the coaches as they eagerly take the steps toward impact, but recognize it takes time.
As followers of Jesus, we desire to make an impact on others and usually want this to happen instantly. When we tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ, some respond at once by surrendering their lives to Him, but realistically it doesn’t always turn out that quickly.
Sometimes our direct impact on a person’s faith journey isn’t revealed for years, so we must operate with an urgent patience. This means we don’t hesitate to share, but patiently wait until it all clicks for them.
Even when we do have an immediate impact on the life change of others, we must be patient for them to produce fruit. It takes time to develop, grow, and become spiritually mature.
It’s an honor and privilege to be used by God to have an impact on someone’s life, but ultimately it’s Christ doing the work through us…and empowering us to lead others to Him.
We are encouraged to take our role seriously by the command Jesus gives the disciples in Mark 16:15 (ESV), “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.’”
In Matthew 5:16 (ESV), Jesus also says: “‘…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’”
Today, let’s be challenged to make an impact on others by the way we live and treat them. Let’s share the gospel and trust God to transform lives.
As we show urgent patience and desire to make an immediate impact, let’s remember the words found in 1 Peter 3:15 (AMP):
“But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I thank You for changing my life and I pray You would use me to have an impact on others. I pray I would have a sense of urgency in sharing the good news with others, while also being patient as You work in their hearts. Use me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
