Make a difference? Who doesn’t want to make someone else’s life better by their influence? Who doesn’t want to be a world changer? No one has made the world a better place through selfishness or by living a shallow and superficial, me-first life. This is the premise of the teaching material of our Ethiopia team 2014. We are presenting The Purpose Driven Life; it’s the application of five previous lessons: Pastor Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E. Plan. What’s the P.E.A.C.E. plan? The simple definition: “Ordinary people empowered by God making a difference together wherever they are.” I love it. Here’s how the concept is broken down:
Ordinary People: That’s you and me. It’s not talking about super saints or spiritual giants, but everyday people like us, making a difference in our world.
Empowered by God: That’s fueled by the Holy Spirit. It’s not about doing anything under our own power, but about using God’s energy to fulfill the opportunities He gives us.
Making a Difference Together: That’s you and me working in unity through small groups to accomplish a common kingdom purpose.
Wherever They Are: That’s wherever we are. We don’t have travel overseas, although it very well may include international travel. Hurting people are everywhere, even across the street in our own neighborhood.
What’s the prerequisite? God doesn’t look for ability; He looks for availability. “The eyes of the Lord search back and forth across the whole earth, looking for people whose hearts are perfect toward Him,” says 2 Chronicles 16:9. God is looking for people He can use, those who will empty themselves and allow Him to fill them up. When His power works through us, all will recognize it was only through His strength the task was accomplished. Rick Warren says, “God wants to make a difference in your life and He wants to make a difference through your life. He wants to use you as an example of His power.” Won’t you let Him?
Beloved, let’s pray together.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love for me—you are an extraordinary God. Thank you for your good plans for us. Thank you for calling us to be available to you. Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to empty ourselves, to allow you to fill us up, and to be poured out to show your love. We commit our future to you, direct us according to your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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