MEAGER BEGINNING - ABUNDANT BLESSING

Zechariah 4:10 “Who despises the day of small things?”

Occasionally we all wonder if our efforts are making a difference. It is easy to grow discouraged thinking that our acts of kindness are insignificant. Many Americans suffer from depression because they do not get a sense of the significance from their lives. People need to know that what they are doing counts.

The Israelites faced a similar problem when they returned from Babylonian captivity and began to rebuild Jerusalem as they fell victim to despondency. The people were discouraged because their numbers were small and their efforts seemed feeble when compared with the accomplishments of their ancestors. When they started to rebuild the temple they only saw how meager their contributions would be and stopped working. Paul once wrote to the Galatians, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)

Here’s a great quote: “God can do a lot with a little. A little is a lot with God”

Faith gives meaning to small acts of service. Trust in God means that we believe God can accomplish everything he wants through our lives no matter how insignificant it might appear in the eyes of people. Many people will not see the greater works that God has been working through their small acts of love until they get to heaven. The Lord is able to take the seeds of small acts of love, faith and truth telling and multiply them significantly.

Faithfulness in small things leads to promotions. Jesus said in Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” People who fail to be trustworthy in showing love, kindness and service in little opportunities will not be given greater responsibilities in the future. Whoever serves God and does good with the little time, talents and resources they have, will be entrusted with more blessings. The person who hides their talents, resources or service abilities will never improve and grow stagnant. How can we expect God to enrich us with more if we do not serve him with what he has already given? One man put it best, “Use it or lose it.”

Great things come from small beginings. Jesus said in Mark 4 “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants.” Plant seeds of kindness, truth and love where you ever you go. Give people hope that their lives are getting better in the Lord and it will change their outlook on a whole range of issues. Allow the Lord to use your seeds to expand his kingdom and righteousness in qualitative and quantitative ways. The work of grace is always small in the beginning but it becomes great in the end.

Do not wait until you think an act of kindness is significant before serving someone. Nobody is able to determine if his or her actions are will make a great or small impact on another. Let God use you in great ways, but realize he is the one who gives ultimate success, fruit and blessings. If you wait until you are asked to do something great, you might never be given these lofty opportunities. Be faithful in little things and God will make you faithful over much.