The Power of a Few

Tony Cooke

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
― Margaret Mead

The odds were stacked against Jonathan and his armorbearer — it was the two of them against twenty Philistines. But Jonathan appreciated God’s ability. He ventured out in faith and said to his armorbearer, “Perhaps the LORD will help us, for nothing can hinder the LORD. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” (1 Sam 14:6 NLT).

Jonathan didn’t have a multitude of helpers, but his solitary helper possessed a remarkable attitude. Far from exhibiting reluctance or passivity, the armorbearer replied, “I’m with you completely, whatever you decide” (1 Sam 14:7 NLT). Though the numbers were not in their favor, they experienced a great victory.

Countless leaders have understandably said, “If I just had more money…” or “if I just had more people…” But God, it seems, wants us focusing on (and using) what we have, not being consumed with what we seemingly lack. And if our trust is in having big numbers, God might challenge us to trust him with less, and yet, with his supernatural help and provision, still see increased effectiveness.

This was certainly the case with Gideon. He started out with 32,000 men, and that number plummeted to 10,000 and then to 300 before God had it the way He desired. Gideon had fewer resources, naturally speaking, but his faith increased, and the resulting victory brought glory to God, and it was through a miracle only God could have produced.

When the great riot took place in Acts 19, God didn’t send a legion of angels or a battalion of soldiers to protect Paul. It was a simpler solution. “Paul wanted to appear before the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. Even some of the officials of the province, friends of Paul, sent him a message begging him not to venture into the theater.” (Acts 19:30-31 NIV).

It wasn’t a massive army that saved Paul’s life, it was a few caring believers, and Paul apparently yielded to them. He also heeded the warning of some government officials who were also Paul’s friends. Through a few regular friends, and through a few “friends in high places,” Paul’s life was spared.

Sometimes, it’s Simply the Power of One

Later, when there was an assassination plot against Paul’s life, the “rescue” started with one person — Paul’s nephew — learning of the conspiracy and communicating that information to Paul, that single individual with a bit of information started a chain reaction that resulted in Paul receiving a robust military escort to a new facility that was safe and secure (see Acts 23:12-24).

Another unsung hero in the New Testament was a Roman centurion named Julius. He supervised Paul’s transport to Rome, and we read that, “Julius was very kind to Paul and let him go ashore to visit with friends so they could provide for his needs” (Acts 27:3 NLT). That was a nice gesture that I’m sure Paul appreciated, but later, Julius would use his influence to actually save Paul’s life.

As the shipwreck was unfolding, we read that “the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely” (Acts 27:42-44 NIV).

God gave Paul favor with people, and that favor helped him survive and succeed. Paul did not have an attitude of, “I only need God. I don’t need anyone else.” Nor was Paul high-minded, thinking he could only associate with “the elite.” When he was in prison, he befriended a runaway slave named Onesiumus, and used his influence to advocate for his well-being (see the book of Philemon).

Paul loved individuals, not just crowds, and he deeply appreciated those individuals who helped him.

Physically battered again and again, Paul was accompanied on many of his travels by “Luke the beloved physician” (Col 4:14). Paul was also friends with Erastus, a city official in Corinth (Rom 6:23).

Romans 16 is a great testimony to the network of people that Paul had in his life. Consider a couple of his statements:

• Phoebe – “she has been a helper of many and of myself also” (Rom 16:2).
• Mary, who labored much for us” (Rom 16:6).
• “Greet Rufus, …and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.” (Rom 16:13).

One person, or just a few people, can make a difference in another person’s life. Multitudes are great. Jesus loved them and ministered to them. But Jesus never lost sight of the value of one. One lost coin. One lost sheep, One wayward son (see Luke 15). We appreciate Jesus’ miracles among the masses, but we must never forget that he said “whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold… shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42 NKJV).

One matters.

• One kind word
• One “thank you”
• One cup of cold water
• One pat on the back
• One act of generosity
• One call or text to a friend
• One helping hand

If you need a negative contrast to appreciate the value of one, consider:

• One mosquito in the tent
• One tooth that aches
• One tire out of alignment
• One pebble in your shoe
• One splinter in your finger
• One hair in your soup
• One string out of tune

Are you appreciating the individuals that God has put in your life? Are you mindful of being “one” to someone else who needs your support and encouragement?

Keep these thoughts in mind.

“Few people are successful unless a lot of other people want them to be.”
― Charles Brower

“If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair.”
― Samuel Johnson

“I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.”
― Thomas Edison