By Cynthia L. Simmons
We live in such crazy times—what can one person possibly do?
More than you might imagine.
Our world feels topsy-turvy and our culture often makes little sense, but history shows us that individual actions can create powerful ripple effects, even in the darkest moments.
When Crisis Struck a Revolutionary
Consider Esther de Berdt Reed who lived through the chaos of the Revolutionary War.
In 1776, as Britain invaded Philadelphia—the very heart of the American uprising—patriots like Esther had to flee for their lives. But Esther faced extraordinary challenges. With her husband working alongside Washington, she had to evacuate their family alone while in the final months of her fourth pregnancy.
Rising prices, economic collapse, and severe shortages made survival difficult. She grieved over mounting losses and hardships as she settled in Burlington, New Jersey, close enough to Valley Forge to hear the devastating reports from Washington’s struggling army.
From Despair to Action
In her distress, Esther turned to prayer and reached out to help others however she could.
When the British finally evacuated Philadelphia, she returned to find her home destroyed.
Yet instead of focusing solely on her own losses, she noticed something that moved her to action: Continental soldiers arriving in the city wearing rags and begging for food.
She negotiated directly with Washington how to effectively use the money.
Her efforts created America’s first organized women’s charitable group, which produced 2,000 shirts and provided direct financial support to Washington’s troops.
Your Divinely Designed Difference
Following Esther’s example, we can pray for God to lead us to people and places where He can use us.
Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (ESV). Based on that truth, the Lord has already prepared a unique place for you to bless those around you.
Just like Esther Reed, your actions could create ripple effects far beyond what you can imagine. As believers, we possess “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4 ESV). With such heavenly wealth at our disposal, we can afford to share generously with the hopeless people who surround us.
Your Action Plan
Here are practical steps you can take:
•Identify your gifts—Perhaps you excel at cooking, writing, organizing, or crafting
•Seek God’s direction—Ask Him specifically how He might use your unique abilities
•Create a focused plan—Set a concrete goal, like providing meals for struggling families or tutoring at-risk students
•Find your community—Look for organizations or churches already working toward similar goals
•Invite others to join—Ask friends with complementary gifts to partner with you
The world’s chaos doesn’t have to paralyze us. Like Esther, we can transform our circumstances into opportunities to serve others and honor God.
Your faithful actions today may be exactly what someone desperately needs—and exactly what God intends to use for His glory.
