I couldn’t help but notice her.
At the neighboring checkout kiosk, a young mom struggles to scan all her items and manage her two rambunctious kids.
I’m alone at the store (which is rare), but I recognize the look of frustration and overwhelm on her face.
I’ve been there before.
God prompts me to help. To scan her items or load her bags. Or offer an encouraging word to let her know she’s seen.
Yet, I hesitate.
What if she rejects my assistance? What if she’s offended? Even worse, what if she makes a scene?
I ignore the voice in my head and hurriedly finish checking out.
I let the perfect opportunity to be an example of the love of Jesus slip through my hands because I’m scared of the potential fallout of one small act.
4 Principles to Serve Your Community
Opportunities to serve your community are everywhere. Often disguised as small acts of obedience, we can miss these opportunities if we’re distracted or afraid.
But if we lean into those moments, God may work in amazing ways.
Here are four principles to follow to better serve your community.
1 – Watch for opportunities.
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, we must work for the good of all.” – Galatians 6:10 HCSB
A checkout line. A park bench. A gas pump. The list is endless.
We never know when God may open a door for us to help.
Be on the lookout for His voice in the course of daily life.
2 – Refuse to let fear get in the way.
“For am I now trying to win the favor of people, or God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10 HCSB
Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite tactics. If he can make us afraid of what someone thinks so we fail to act, then the Devil’s won the battle before it even starts.
We should stay focused on what God prompts us to do.
Perhaps the person’s response will be positive. But even if it’s not, our ultimate goal is to honor the Lord.
3 – Follow God’s direction.
“I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with My eye on you, I will give counsel.” – Psalms 32: 8 HCSB
God may not speak to us in an audible voice, but He often whispers to our souls.
If a prompting lines up with Scripture and God’s character, let’s be quick to obey!
The Lord may ask us to start small, like helping a mom at the store. Or He might ask for something bigger, like volunteering at a local charity.
He may even lead us to do something “crazy”—like starting a non-profit.
But most of the time, He whispers for us to do small, ordinary acts each day.
We just have to listen and obey.
4 – God can use your small act.
“Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke them. He kept giving them to the disciples to set before the crowd. Everyone ate and was filled. Then they picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces.” – Luke 9:16-17 HCSB
The disciples distributed five loaves and two fish and fed more than 5,000 people! While Jesus performed this miracle, the disciples were His vessels to meet the needs of the crowd that day.
Our eloquent words or unselfish deeds won’t ultimately change a person’s life. Only Jesus can.
But God can use our small acts to make a big difference and direct hearts to Christ.
What an incredible privilege to be a part of God working in someone’s life. And what a comfort to know the final outcome doesn’t rest on us!
Small Acts of Obedience Make a Difference
A few weeks later, my youngest child and I are walking at a park. An elderly lady sits on a park bench, out of breath.
I feel a prompting to talk to her. So I do.
The lady shares about her recent cancer diagnosis, chemo treatments, and fears over what lies ahead.
I sense I should pray for her.
Doubt creeps into my thoughts, and I hesitate.
The woman’s phone rings. She answers, and my window to pray is gone.
I walk toward my car. But God gently encourages me that it isn’t too late.
I return to the park bench. The lady is off the phone.
Before I lose courage, I ask if I can pray for her. She agrees, and I offer a short prayer.
I breathe a sigh of relief and head back to the car.
I take one final glance back at the elderly lady. She wipes tears from her eyes.
My eyes fill with tears. “Thank you for second chances, Lord.”
Used By God to Serve Your Community
Opportunities to make a positive impact surround us every day. Sometimes these opportunities come through small acts of serving your community and loving those God puts in your path.
A smile of encouragement. A helping hand. A word of support. A prayer.
They may be small. But they should never be overlooked.
Small acts can make a big difference.
Let’s watch for opportunities and refuse to let fear keep us from acting.
Let’s listen to God’s direction and be ready for Him to work.
May we position ourselves to be used by God today.
Stacy Jenkins
Stacy Jenkins is the founder of Selah Home where she writes inspirational stories and provides practical resources on marriage, parenting, and faith. Stacy lives in Missouri with her husband and three sweet girls. She dreams of moving to the country and can never seem to get enough dark chocolate. Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, and X.
