I read a magazine article over three years ago that sticks in my mind today. The article said, “Why would you bring a bucket of sand to the desert? Why would you bring a drop of water to the ocean? Why would you light a candle in an already lit room? Go ahead…make a difference.”
We were in Hetauda, Nepal for a Global DAWN Network consultation staying at the Orchid Resort. Beautiful flowers were blooming outside, but they were only a façade for the darkness inside the walls of the hotel. Most hotel lobbies in South Asia have some form of idol or god displayed for incense waving and flower gathering. In the case of the Orchid Resort, the darkness was also a result of the lack of constant electricity with allowance on a scheduled basis of fewer than four hours a day. We entered our room and immediately noticed the candle and its holder on the windowsill. Nighttime came and not knowing the electricity schedule, we were suddenly left standing in the dark of our room. It was the darkest night I could remember, there was no moon that night, and any stars that may have been out were covered by the clouds. The sight of that candle was in our minds but nowhere to be found in the darkness of the night. It was impossible to see even a hand in front of the face. The candle was finally located, but where were the matches? It took several moments of blind searching, but when found and struck, we could again see the light dispersing the darkness.
It’s a lesson that you’ve no doubt heard numerous times, but have you really thought about it? Have you thought about it in light of the darkness of your world? Have you thought about it in light of the darkness of God’s world? Do you realize that it only takes one small flame to light a room? What kind of a difference do you want to make?
I made a decision that day three years ago after reading the magazine article. I want to make a difference. I’m tired of carrying a bucket of sand to the desert…I’m worn out by bringing a drop of water to the ocean…I’ve tried lighting the candle but it seems the room is already lit. What do you want me to do, Lord?
So here I am in South Asia (written during our recent trip) where thousand of people groups are still unreached. The passion of the national pastors and church planters is unbelievable. They want to make a difference that really counts for the Kingdom. The small part I can play in their encouragement and training will be the difference God intends me to make.
