The Starfish Story: You Can Make a Difference
The following is one of my favourite stories (author unknown) that never fails to inspire me in sustaining my belief in what I do as a Christ-follower, regardless of how insignificant it may seem to the eyes of others.
While walking along a beach, an elderly gentleman saw someone in the distance leaning down, picking something up and throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, picking up starfish one by one and tossing each one gently back into the water.
He came closer still and called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young man paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean.”
The old man smiled, and said, “I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?”
To this, the young man replied, “The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them in, they’ll die.”
Upon hearing this, the elderly observer commented, “But, young man, do you not realise that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can’t possibly make a difference!”
The young man listened politely. Then he bent down, picked up another starfish, threw it into the back into the ocean past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”
I remembered that I teared when I read this story for the first time as I saw myself as THAT starfish that was saved by Jesus.
Everyone (including you) matters to Him.
Helloo..I think your life story is really quite inspiring. No matter what my stand is on religions right now, just wanna say ‘Keep running for Jesus!’
Cheers
Like James quoted the Bible, God intend salvation for all men - that is God’s godwill. But you know like picking starfish - you can only do your best. The thing is there is time for every thing. Force your way through, is no point.
Great story, works well at a spiritual level - but not political! These days is seems that the human race isn’t managing to organize itself in ways that do good for large numbers of people. Our voluntary efforts can make a difference but only to a point. For example, they won’t solve global warming.
I was planning to use this one for my VBS this summer. As I was reading the comments, I just wanted to say that, yes one person can make a difference; in sharing Christ, and in other aspects of life. Just like the older gentleman, people do see what you do and some even try to imitate you. If it’s global warming you are concerned about, then do your part, people will follow.