Making a Difference in Someone’s Life

1 Samuel 12:23

Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way:

One of the great character traits of Samuel that many never see is how he never gave up on God’s people despite them rejecting his leadership. Samuel understood the importance of the job he had, and he understood that everyone would not always like him or want him, but that did not stop him from doing his best to make a difference in those he led.

Anyone who has led people understands the frustration of trying to get people to do right. Sunday school teachers can often become frustrated because they feel they are not making a difference in those they teach. A school teacher can often get frustrated and irritated with those they teach when they have to put up with the attitude of a youth that seems to have a rebellious or obstinate heart. A pastor can become discouraged when he feels he has given everything he can to help people, and yet they still won’t do what he is teaching and preaching from God’s Word. Samuel’s example with Israel gives a model on how a leader can make a difference in those they lead. Let me share this model with you.

First, be willing to be rejected. Rejection is a hard thing for anyone to accept, but if you are not willing to be rejected, you will not make a difference in people. The leader who has made a difference in one life has often been rejected by many. Don't give up trying to make a difference despite being rejected many times.

Second, never give up on people. Samuel never gave up on Israel, and you must not give up on those you lead even when you feel you are not making a difference. You likely could be making a difference, but because you are with those you lead regularly, you cannot see the difference that is happening in their heart. You must put your trust in the fact that God’s Word will not return void, and you are making a difference in their lives because you are using God’s Word.

Third, pray without ceasing for them. Samuel never ceased to pray for those who rejected him, and you must never cease to pray for those you lead, even if they have pushed you away repeatedly. Prayer will do more in the heart of those who rejected you than anything else you can try. Prayer does a work on the heart of those you lead because God is working in answer to your prayer. You may not see the difference, but never give up on praying for those you lead. When you are the most frustrated with those you are trying to lead to do right is when you need to pray for them more.

Fourth, never give up on teaching them. Samuel kept teaching them good because he knew that teaching always makes an impact. You must continue to teach those you lead if you want to make an impact on them. Your job is not to be their friend in a worldly sense, but be a friend in the sense that you never give up on them or stop teaching them what God’s Word says to do.

Fifth, teach them right by living right. Your life example will be the greatest form of teaching to those in whom you are trying to make a difference. Your life is often what others will remember the most; therefore, always do right and let your life be the greatest lesson of teaching to those you are trying to make a difference in.