~ Making a Difference ~

[Lani]

John 2:1-11
1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
5 His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.


To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:7 (NIV)


As I walk to work in the cold and gloom of a midwinter morning, I am cheered and heartened by the tiny points of color provided by a few tough plants that continue to bloom. These plants include the odd rose on a bush that has not been pruned in readiness of r spring, the occasional geranium that struggles to produce a single bloom, or the bright marigold out of sync with the rest of the garden.

The experience led me to recall times when I felt discouraged, as if my small efforts counted for nothing. We all tend to compare ourselves - especially our acts of love and service- to others, and we may decided that we are doing too little or that what we are doing is of little consequence. Yet there may be times when our efforts can be compared to the tiny points of color on a winter's morning - they may be just what those we serve need to cheer them up, keep them going, or let them know that there is still life, color, and beauty around them.

Yet, our efforts may be small, but that does not mean they are insignificant. God can use even the most ordinary people and actions to make a difference in someone's life. Turning the water into wine at the wedding in Cana may not be considered one of Jesus' bigger miracles; but it made a difference to the people who were present.


Prayer: God of all being, thank you for the small joys and surprises of each day. Help us to be aware of you in the little and big moments of life. help us to let our light shine for you. Amen

Prayer Focus of Day: To see God's presence around us

Thought for the Day: Imagine - God can use even me!

Story shared by: M. Mangan (Australia)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 7/17/11