Back in ancient times, God called Zerubbabel, a leader of the Hebrew people, to rebuild the Jewish temple—the center of the Jews’ worship of God--that had been destroyed. So many obstacles kept barring their efforts that eventually Zerubbabel and the Hebrew people became discouraged. They were not sure they could do it.
So the prophet (God’s spokesman) Zechariah encouraged Zerubbabel and asked, “For who has despised the day of small things?” (Zechariah 4:10). His message was a declaration that each small task completed would result in achieving the goal of finishing the temple in Jerusalem.
My Small Efforts
God also encourages me in my “small things” and efforts. I can tend to think that my efforts will not bring his godly purposes to fruition. For example, my “small effort” in giving won’t really make a difference. So when Hurricane Harvey struck and our church encouraged us to give to an evangelical relief effort, I thought, “Surely my $25 won’t matter.” But it did! God used it.
I help lead an NCF nurse group in the Charlotte area. When we first started the group, I saw very little interest. When I send out an upcoming meeting announcement and only 3 or 4 people respond, I think, This is such a small thing; it doesn’t matter to God. But God encourages me continually that these “small things” are not to be despised.
Jesus illustrated this principle of how small things matter when he related a parable in Matthew 13:31-32 about mustard seeds.
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this seed is smaller than all other seeds. But when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.
In this same way, God wants to use me when he calls, even when my small thing doesn’t appear to me to matter to God or to other people.
What “small thing” has God impressed on you to act on or trust him with?
Dear Lord, may I believe you wholeheartedly. May I act with small steps of obedience and faith. And may you, dear Lord, multiply my efforts.
Colleen Christenson BSN, RN, recently started serving with Nurses Christian Fellowship as a Nurse Staff Minister. She and her husband, Carl, have 2 daughters and live in Charlotte, NC. Colleen spearheaded the Charlotte NCF group and continues to lead it.
Nurses Christian Fellowship offers an array of free resources to help nurses and nursing students cultivate their faith in God and serve him their professional and personal spheres. Check out these tips on first steps to spiritual conversations, prayer walks, opportunities to pray with others, and events (live and remote) to fortify your faith.
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