If the foot says, “Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “Because I am not an eye, I am not a part of the body,” it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:15-16 (NASB)
I wonder if you know the answers to the following questions. Who visited D.L Moody at the shoe store where he worked and shared the gospel with him? Who was the little elderly woman who prayed faithfully for Billy Graham for many years? Who financed William Carey’s ministry to India? Which great theological mind influenced Martin Luther and became his confidant and friend? Which substitute lay preacher stepped into the pulpit and read Isaiah 45:22 influencing the future of Charles Haddon Spurgeon? Which author wrote a book which impacted the life of John Newton? Who looked after Paul in the dungeon as he penned his last letter to Timothy? Who were the four faithful friends who brought the paralytic man to Jesus on a stretcher?
How did you do? Most people don’t know the answers. However, without these unknown people, a lot of what we call church history would be missing. A lot of lives would have been untouched. These anonymous people were a very necessary part of the Body of Christ. It doesn’t matter if we do not remember their names – we know their impact even today. People life Kimball, Pearle Goode, Melanchthon, Onesiphorus and the anonymous heroes of faith remind us that we all have purpose in the great plan of God.
Paul said:
And some of the parts that seem weakest and least important are really the most necessary. 1 Corinthians 12:22 (TLB)
Be encouraged.