Here’s a thought that lived rent-free in my heart for what feels like eternity, and I believe many others have housed it or are still housing it free of charge. Well, it’s time to serve an eviction notice on that yeye tenant!
Why bother?
Do you ever feel like there’s no point in doing something because so many others are already doing it? Like it’s cliché, or that you’re only considering it because you keep seeing others doing the same?
Why should I go ahead with it now?
Wouldn’t it be easier to just join them instead of starting something on my own?
I hear you. I was the group leader of that association that asked God ‘why bother’.
It’s that nagging question; what’s the point if everyone else is already doing it?
It can feel like adding one more voice to an already crowded space, like joining the bandwagon right?
It’s like showing up to a room where everyone is already talking and wondering if you should even bother saying a word.
But here’s the thing: Your voice is not their voice. Your assignment is not their assignment.
You’re not just doing it because they are. You’ve felt the stirring for a while. You’ve had the thoughts long before the notifications started popping up. The fact that others are doing it doesn’t mean it’s not yours to do, it just means it’s a space that needs many hands, many voices, many lights.
But Toju, Everything Has Been Done Before
Ecclesiastes 1:9: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
Yes, it can feel like everything has been done before, like the work has already been covered, and your voice is just another drop in an ocean of repetition. The truth is, just because something feels repeated or common doesn’t mean it lacks purpose. God has given you a unique way to express it, and that alone makes your calling distinct and meaningful.
Unique Journeys, Unique Lessons, and Unique Expressions of the Same Gift and Message
"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
Think about parenting. Thousands of people are talking about it, yet our journeys, our lessons, and the way we express them are uniquely ours. Someone will hear it differently from you. Someone is waiting for the way you will say it. It will finally click for some people when you say it.
And why not just join them instead of doing something separately? Well, sometimes collaboration is good. But other times, God gives a unique burden and vision that you can’t just merge into another person’s work. There’s something distinct about what He’s putting in your hands.
Ephesians 4:11-12 says: So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
So the real question isn’t why bother? But rather, why did I feel this burden in the first place? If it was placed in your heart, it wasn’t a mistake. And if He gave it to you, He intends for you to steward it.
God Needs EVERYONE on Their A Game
God doesn’t just need a few on their A Game; He needs EVERYONE in the Body of Christ to step into their calling with purpose.
If God only needed a few voices, He would have stopped calling people after the first few apostles. But He didn’t. Instead, He gave every believer the commission to go and make disciples.
Matthew 28:19-20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
That tells us something, no matter how many are already doing the work, there is always more ground to cover, always more people to reach, and always a unique way God wants to express Himself through each person.
Just like I’m answering the call to share this message with you, I encourage you to do the same wherever you are, with whatever God has placed in your hands. Your unique contribution matters.
It’s not about redundancy; it’s about obedience. The fact that others are already preaching doesn’t cancel your assignment, it confirms that the work is vast and needs many hands.
Jesus Christ told his disciples: “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2)
In fact, the moment someone is saved, they are immediately called to be a witness.
Acts 1:8: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
That means God doesn’t just want a select few doing the work; He wants everyone involved.
So if He’s stirring something in your heart, it’s not because the space is empty, it’s because your voice is needed too.
Everyone Is Called to Shine, Alone We Would Burn Out
God didn’t call only a few to shine. He never said a select group alone would be the light of the world. Instead, He called every believer, every child of God, to be a light.
Matthew 5:14:You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Together, we push back the darkness. Alone, we would burn out. But when we all shine, our collective light becomes unstoppable. As we burn bright, we ignite others, lighting up candles that will go to places we may never reach.
Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
This was the very heart of Jesus’ ministry, why He discipled the Twelve. Not just to follow Him, but to carry on the work, to multiply the light, and to do even greater things than He did.
He said in John 14:12: Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.
The very fact that you’re asking “Why bother?” is proof that you’ve already heard the call. That question wouldn’t arise if there wasn’t a stirring in your heart. And that’s a far better place to be than still doubting whether you were called at all.
Besides, do you know it takes immense bravery and courage for anyone you see making an impact to do what they do? If you’re stepping into that circle of brave individuals, then don’t hold back; just ensure that your courage is for something that advances God’s kingdom and promotes His purpose. If you’re being brave for something eternal, something that aligns with God’s will, then you’re already making a difference that truly matters. So, by all means, take your place and let your impact be for His glory!
There are countless banks serving society, yet new ones keep emerging. Many hospitals care for the sick, yet more are being built. There are many schools continuing to train students, yet new ones are established every day.
There is room for you, for everyone.
Shine.
