Small Things Matter To God

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Do small things matter to God?
We live in a world where everything is supersized and maximum strength. We see airbrushed models as real. We ask what went wrong when someone gets a silver medal in the Olympics instead of gold or a student earns a B+ instead of an A. 
So often I feel I am not enough. My gifts are too small and insignificant to make any difference. My failure to live up to my expectations and the internal voices telling me what I “should” be doing block me from growing closer to God and from following His will. I focus more on what I lack instead of focusing on who God is. 
I really needed to hear the gospel lesson this week.
I listened to familiar story read on Sunday morning. Jesus gave thanks for the young boy’s small gift of five loaves and two fish and then the entire crowd had more than enough to eat.
More than enough.

It started with an unnamed, small boy, barely noticeably in the huge crowd. The scripture isn’t even clear if he voluntarily offered his lunch or if the disciples had to ask him for it. Even the disciples knew there wasn’t enough to feed everyone there.
But Jesus gave thanks anyway and there was enough. More than enough.
Do small things matter to God?  Too often I let the worry or shame of the size of my gift stop me from offering it to God. I am finally beginning to really believe God isn’t worried about its quality, the quantity, or its perfection: He will make it enough. And then more than enough.
“Always keep your eyes open for the little task, because it is the little task that is important to Jesus Christ. . . .

The great flowing rivers represent only a small part of all the water that is necessary to nourish and sustain the earth. Beside the flowing river there is the water in the earth — the subterranean water — and there are the little streams. . . . Without these other waters — the silent hidden subterranean waters and the trickling streams — the great river could no longer flow. Thus it is with the little tasks to be fulfilled by us all.”

“We cannot do great things. We can only do little things with great love.”

Only five loaves and two fish.
Only a small single coin in the offering.
Only a mustard seed size smidgen of faith.
Only a smile to a stranger.
Only a kind word passed on.
Only a small baby in a manger.
God accomplishes His work through the small things. He perfects our inabilities, our brokenness, and our lack of enough to make a difference. He pours His power into our littlest and our least and our inadequacies and failures.
And that is more than enough.

Where have you seen God in the little things lately?

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Comments

  2. blankJen Ferguson says

    You know, I scoff sometimes when the athletes are upset about “only” getting the silver or bronze, but God is reminding me that I also have quite a similar mindset, too. Instead of focusing on what I have or have not, I just want to focus on Him and doing exactly as He asks — not striving for any worldly thing.

  4. blankMary Beth says

    You are spot on here. God definitely cares about the small things and even delights in the small things–for it is there that His glory shines brightest.

    Thanks for linking up with WIP Wednesday!

  5. blankJennifer Davis says

    Great post, Jean! I know God is trying to talk to me–the sermon I heard this week was on fear, and I think your post ties right in to that message. I don’t have to have all the answers or the most strength or the cleanest house, but whatever God asks, I must do. He will make it great for His glory when I have the faith to obey.

    By the way, thank you for your nice comment on my blog last week. I am very slow getting around to visit other blogs, lately!

  7. blankLauren Mills says

    I love this. It is a constant struggle to remind ourselves of God’s truth and not get caught in the world’s truth. I would love for you to come link up at mercyINKblog.com for our Heart&Home link up! blessings,
    lauren

  11. blankThandiweW says

    Jean,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for reminding us in this post that it all matters. If we can be faithful with very little, He desires to give us more. Thank you.
    Peace and good to you.

  12. blankkaren evans says

    Jeanie, your post hits the right note for today for me too. I feel like I’m not doing enough so many times. Thanks!

  13. blankPamela says

    So good, Jean. Have you ever seen Max Lucado’s “Small Gifts in God’s Hands?” It’s my favorite children’s book and I have tears every time I read it.

  14. blankPhil D. Malmstrom says

    Great message today Jean, and one I needed to hear. I’ve felt very insufficient quite a lot as of late, and have struggled to keep my eyes and heart on God’s promise that no matter what, He’s always enough for any situation I face.

    Thank you for sharing this my dear friend!

    • blankJean Wise says

      Phil you are such a blessing to me. I really appreciate your comments and continue to pray for you as I know you have been struggling. God will be enough! More than enough