No piece is random; each serves a specific purpose in the master’s grand strategy. Even the seemingly insignificant pawn, when positioned correctly, can change the entire outcome of the game.

In God’s divine plan for reaching the world with His message of salvation, you are like one of those chess pieces.

The neighbourhood you live in, the job you work at, the school you attend, the friends you have—none of these are accidents. You have been divinely positioned exactly where you are for a purpose far greater than you might realize.

In the devotional today, we will explore how we can strategically impact our cities with the message of the gospel.

But before diving into practical strategies, let’s first understand your role as a believer in the world and why your impact matters so much.

Matthew 5:13-14
New King James Version

13 You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Jesus refers to us as the salt of the earth and the light of the world and in calling us “salt,” He was emphasizing our value in this world.

Now, this may not make sense to a 21st-century reader, because we typically use salt for cooking but in Bible times, salt was a medium of exchange and was so valuable that it was one of the most highly traded commodities.

As a believer, you are of immense value in this fallen world—just as salt preserves and seasons, you do the same. By playing your role as God’s ambassador, you stand as a powerful force, frustrating the devil’s mission to keep people from believing in God.

Let’s take the example of the Apostle Paul in the city of Ephesus. Ephesus was a major port city on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey) and a thriving commercial hub, known for its vibrant marketplace and was known for sorcery, idolatry and worship of most of the Greek and Roman gods.

But Apostle Paul had an effective missionary presence there and converted many people to Christianity. How did he do this?

Acts 19:8-10
New King James Version

8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Apostle Paul’s region-wide impact in Asia came from his daily reasoning with the people of Ephesus for two years!

For two years he continued labouring over them, teaching them, reminding them, trying to convince them and instructing them by the word of God.

Now, think of your neighbourhood, workplace, school, or city. What practical evangelical steps can you take for the gospel to prevail there?

The gospel—the message of Jesus and His salvation—is the only way to eternal life, and your position in society, no matter how big or small, can be a powerful tool in spreading this life-changing message.

It is important that you walk daily with the understanding of the crucial nature of evangelism and follow-up. As you evangelize on the streets, don’t let it stop there—establish discipleship groups or house fellowships just like the Apostle Paul did in Ephesus and continue with them.

At work or school, use your position to influence coworkers, classmates, and casual acquaintances. Remember that your role as an ambassador for Christ doesn’t only stop in the streets but affect every area of your life.

So build relationships with people and have meaningful conversations, then make use of those opportunities to share the gospel. Don’t let fear or hesitation stop you from speaking about your faith.

Even in environments that seem hostile to the gospel, trust that God can give you wisdom and guide you on what to say, when to say it, and how to say it.

Even on your way to places, like in a cab or a bus, you can start conversations that lead to the message of the gospel.

Social media and business ideas are other powerful tools for spreading the gospel. Use your platform—whether Instagram, YouTube, or a blog—to reach a wide audience with the message of Jesus.

You can create businesses or brands and use them as vehicles for spreading the gospel. Whether it’s through designing items like branded clothing, journals, and other products with the message of the gospel, or excelling in whatever field you find yourself, you can create platforms to share the gospel.

Lastly, the impact you want to cause in your city starts with developing a genuine burden for the souls of those around you. In Nehemiah 1:4, when Nehemiah heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem, he wept, fasted, and prayed for days.

Nehemiah 1:4
New King James Version

4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

This burden in his heart drove Nehemiah to action. Similarly, to reach those around you, you must develop a deep burden for their salvation and intercede for them.

This would spur you to more evangelism and you would be sensitive to opportunities available for the spread of the word in your immediate environment. And how can we stir up this burden in our heart?

By praying!

II Thessalonians 3:1
New King James Version

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you

Prayer is a key strategy in spreading the gospel. Like Paul, pray for God’s word to spread swiftly, for hearts to be receptive, for doors of utterance to be opened, and for barriers to be broken.

Persistent prayer and evangelism are vital in making a lasting impact, as we see in many great moves of God in history.

Wherever you find yourself, know that you are strategically placed to be salt and light. Choose today to use your position to facilitate the spread of the gospel in your city.

Prayer Point:
I rise up to my responsibility and take advantage of every position I find myself in to impact lives with the message of the gospel. As I spread this message, it has free course and is glorified among all people.