I think the incredible potential of what one person can accomplish alone is often underestimated. This is most likely due to the fact that a majority of massive undertakings usually results from collaborative effort. While there is obviously strength in numbers, there are also times when the efforts of just one individual is sufficient. I’ve personally witnessed and experienced this reality in varied and meaningful ways. Most recently however, I was reminded of this principle while reading a passage in Romans.

In Romans 5 the apostle Paul provides a compelling illustration contrasting two distinctly different men: the first man Adam, and the God-man Jesus. The sole similarity between these two men is the eternal impact their individual one-time actions made upon the human race. Through the one man Adam, sin entered into the world infecting all mankind. But far greater was the gift of grace and forgiveness offered through the one true God, Jesus Christ.

For the sin of one man, Adam, caused death to rule.

Adam’s one sin brought condemnation for everyone but Christ’s one act of righteousness brought right relationship with God.

Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners but because one other person obeyed God, many were made righteous.

The paraphrased message above from Roman 5 is clear. Christ’s one act of obedience forever counteracted Adam’s one act of disobedience. This is great news and cause for extraordinary gratitude. Paul’s thorough explanation of the one righteous action restoring mankind with Yahweh is inspiring indeed! Honestly, if there were no more to this narrative than these facts, we could be satisfied and move forward. However, in our haste we might miss a wonderful truth revealed in this passage. And that is sometimes, all it takes is one.

The power of just one to accomplish great feats is not exclusive to the passage in Romans. Instead, this principle is confirmed through the lives of many individuals included in the biblical narrative. For instance:

One man, Abraham, answered the call of Yahweh, left his native country, journeyed to the promised land, and birthed a new nation.

One woman, Ruth, bound by hesed love for her mother-in-law, leaves her country, journeys to Bethlehem, eventually marries, and gives birth to a son in the lineage of Christ.

One man, Jacob, wrestled with God, prevailed, and founded the twelve tribes of Israel.

One woman, Esther, providentially finds favor with the king, becomes queen, and risks her life to save the Jewish people from destruction.

One man, Joseph, sent into captivity by his hate-filled brothers, rose to become the governor of Egypt and eventually rescued the Israelites from a future famine.

One woman, a prostitute named Rahab, risked her life and demonstrated her faith in Yahweh by hiding spies sent by Joshua before the Israelites’ conquest of Jericho.

And this is just a miniscule sampling from an exhaustive list of ordinary men and women included in Scripture who single-handedly accomplished outstanding things for Yahweh!

Potentially at this point you are feeling inspired, but wondering how any of this information could practically be useful to you, your life, or your circumstances. And this would be a completely reasonable question, and one that I believe is adequately answered in Scripture.

For starters, the Bible narrative is not solely for the purpose of information, but equally important for revelation and inspiration.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true….God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

In addition, the historical narratives recorded in Scripture were for the intent purpose of leading us into a greater understanding of who God is and who we are as His children.

This means when we read inspiring biblical biographies, we can be assured that the same God who worked wonders through the people from antiquity continues to empower His people today. He is the same God!

Although we may never be called to establish a nation, defeat a giant, or part an ocean, as Christ-followers we have each been entrusted with a unique assignment. Although at times we are led to believe that what we do is unimportant or perhaps even insignificant, this is simply not true. The truth is every child of God has been chosen and the work we’ve been given to do is an integral part of God’s Kingdom.

So consider today what that work may be and then commit to executing it wholeheartedly. What you do really matters; it matters to God and to the people He has strategically placed in your life. Be encouraged in the knowledge that the efforts of just one person have the potential to make an eternal difference in the life of another. Sometimes all it takes is one, and that one may very well be you.

God bless you friends!

My friend, if you’ve been encouraged, strengthened or edified by this week’s post, please consider sharing Grace Notes For You (www.gracenotesforyou.com) with a friend.

For Reflection

  • Read Romans 5: 17-19 and write a brief personal summation of this passage.
  • What does this passage convey to you about the power and potential of just one person?
  • What work has God assigned to you in this season? If you are unsure, pray and ask God to reveal His plan for your life.