Extend Your Grasp Beyond Your Reach

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20, 21

Do you ever feel like you are not making a difference in the world today? As you scan the breaking news, are you overwhelmed with helplessness to change the world? Often we resign ourselves to a mentality to simply survive in our hectic world, oblivious that God can do immeasurably more than what we can imagine! I want to share an insight with you that could revolutionize your perspective: Give up on changing the world. That’s right! Forget about it! Instead, focus on changing your world. Make a difference in your God-ordained sphere by influencing those within your reach.

Apostolic minded people are Christ-centered, mission focused – with the intent to impact their particular sphere of influence. The word apostle comes from the Greek word apostolos, meaning sent one; connoting that one is on a mission with a specific purpose. God has sent you to your family, friends, neighborhood, workplace, church, community, etc., to do immeasurably more than what you can imagine! It is God’s will for you to be apostolic, intentionally advancing His kingdom within your sphere.

As we reach out to our sphere of influence, it can have a greater impact then what we originally intend. Don’t bypass the seemingly insignificant relationships and events in your life. Remember this powerful truth: small causes can have big effects. This was the premise of Malcolm Gladwell’s pivotal work – The Tipping Point. It is a business book that is centered on the idea of change within a complex and chaotic system. It is a hot book among scholars, business-minded people, social change engineers and apostolic- motivated believers. The author posits that “We need to prepare ourselves for the possibility that sometimes big changes follow from small events, and that sometimes these changes can happen very quickly.”

Is it possible that we are on the verge of great changes as a result of your perceived “insignificant” causes (reaching out to others) within your God-given sphere? Remember that the byproduct of apostolic mission is impact that transcends your own sphere. As you reach those within your sphere (small cause), your grasp will extend beyond your world (big effects) to the world around you!