Why One Person’s Impact Matters More Than You Think
Most of us believe that real change requires massive movements, money, or power. But the truth? Change almost always starts with just one person—one decision, one action, one moment of courage.
Maybe that one person is you.
What If No One Else Is Coming?
It’s easy to assume that someone else will step in—a charity, a leader, a government program. But what if no one else does?
- The homeless community in Los Angeles [or insert your own city] is waiting.
- The elderly in local care homes are waiting.
- The kids in foster care are waiting. [the need for foster care grows every day]
- The overworked single parents in your neighborhood are waiting.
The world is full of people slipping through the cracks, waiting for someone to notice them.
And here’s the hard truth: helping isn’t always easy.
One of the Most Powerful Stories of ‘For the One’
It was late. The sea was restless. The disciples, exhausted from a day of miracles, likely expected rest. But instead, Jesus turned to them and said:
“Let’s go to the other side.”
Wait… what?
The ministry was thriving. The crowd was massive. The fruit was obvious. If there was ever a time to stay put, this was it. But Jesus wasn’t driven by numbers or comfort. He was compelled by something greater—someone greater.
The Storm Before the Mission
So they stepped into the boat, unaware that a storm was waiting.
🌊 The winds roared.
🌊 The waves crashed, spilling over the sides.
🌊 The boat heaved.
The disciples—seasoned fishermen—braced for the worst. Panic seized them. Death felt imminent. But Jesus—calm, unwavering—stood and silenced the storm with a word. Because the storm wasn’t the mission.
The man was.
The Moment of Encounter
When they reached the shore, they weren’t met by crowds or applause. No fanfare. No celebration. Only the sound of chains clinking in the dark and ragged breaths from the shadows. Then, he appeared.
👁️ Naked.
👁️ Wild-eyed.
👁️ Filthy, covered in scars, a human storm of torment and isolation.
He had been cast out, abandoned to the tombs, shackled by society, and by something far darker. He was beyond help. Beyond saving.
A Divine Appointment
But Jesus stepped onto that shore like He had an appointment to keep. The man ran toward Him—screaming, pleading, possessed by a legion of demons. The ground seemed to tremble, the weight of his torment pressing against the very air.
But Jesus did not move.
He did not flinch.
The demons saw what no one else did. They knew who had arrived. And Jesus shattered the chains that no man could break.
The Storm Within Silenced
In an instant…
🔹 The storm inside the man ceased.
🔹 The voices silenced.
🔹 The agony lifted.
The wild, broken soul collapsed—not in terror, but in worship.
- Because where human effort failed…
- Because where society abandoned…
- Because where darkness reigned…
🔥 Jesus stepped in. 🔥
Because Jesus moves for the one.
The Barriers That Keep Us From Showing Up
1. The Barrier: The Storm
Helping others never happens at a convenient time.
Think about it:
• When someone is in crisis, it’s never when we’re “ready.”
• When a friend needs help, it’s rarely when we feel strong enough to support them.
We tell ourselves:
- ❌ “I don’t have time right now.”
- ❌ “I wouldn’t know what to say.”
- ❌ “They probably don’t want my help anyway.”
But what if the storm is exactly where we’re meant to be?
What if the most important act of kindness in your life happens at the most inconvenient moment?
2. The Barrier: Fear
We hesitate to help people in difficult situations because it’s uncomfortable.
We fear:
- Getting involved in something messy.
- That our efforts won’t make a difference.
- That we don’t have the right words or skills.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need to fix everything—you just need to show up.
In Mark 5, everyone avoided the outcast—they saw him as too broken, too dangerous, too far gone.
But Jesus didn’t.
Instead of walking away, he crossed a storm to reach him.
What if that’s what love actually looks like?
Real Stories of One Person Making a Difference
History proves that one person’s actions can change lives:
✅ Irena Sendler smuggled 2,500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto—without money, power, or protection.
✅ Nicholas Winton, a young stockbroker, saved 669 children from the Holocaust by organizing rescue missions.
✅ Clara Barton, a self-taught nurse, founded the American Red Cross because she saw a need and refused to wait for someone else to fix it.
None of them started with a perfect plan. They simply saw one person in need and took action.
For the One: Who in Your Life Needs You?
Who Have You Written Off?
- “That homeless guy chooses to live that way.”
- “The single mom struggling to make ends meet?”
- “He’s been in and out of jail—he’ll never change.”
- “The guy at work who’s always angry?”
What if you’re called to be the one who steps closer?
Step closer. Step into the storm. Step toward The One.
Taking Action: How You Can Help Someone Today
💡 CHALLENGE: Choose one person to show up for this week.
✔ Send a message—“Hey, I was thinking about you. How are you doing?”
✔ Invite them for coffee.
✔ Check in on a struggling friend.
✔ Volunteer at a local shelter or outreach program in (Your City).
You don’t have to fix their problems. You just have to be there.
Why Small Acts Create a Ripple Effect
One conversation.
One moment of kindness.
One act of courage.
That’s all it takes to change someone’s world.
Because in the end, changing the world isn’t about reaching thousands of people.
It’s about reaching one person—over and over again.
For the one.
Stay Connected & Keep the Conversation Going
📢 Don’t let this be the end of the conversation. Stay connected:
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✅ Watch the full sermon on this topic:
✅ Share your thoughts below: Have you ever felt like an outsider in church? Let’s talk.
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