Faithful in the Little Things

Scripture Text: Luke 19:17

Think MISSION, and visions of going to other countries to share the good news, of “giving up” a life of comfort and going to the “wild” and the “outback” to preach the Word come to mind. It is something most of us feel that we are not called for or are not ready for…

We would be more comfortable just being where we are, doing our own thing, or only consider IT as something to do at retirement, maybe.

However, as Christians, the Great Commission of Jesus is NOT optional. We are to “go to the people of all nations, and make them His disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to do everything that He has told you.” (Matthew 25:19-20) So how do we ensure that we remain obedient to this commandment, which for many of us honestly, seems a “tall” order?

I was personally very encouraged by a message I heard during a Missions Emphasis Sunday in church. We were reminded to start with the “little” things – start with those closest to us who are non-believers before reaching out to the “bigger” world out there. Being faithful in serving at our very doorstep is a good start. This very first “little” step can mark the beginning of our far-reaching mission.

To do this well, we are encouraged to be “faithful in the little” like the disciples who presented five loaves of bread and two fish to Jesus. They gave to Jesus the little they had at that time; just like we too are encouraged to give the little that we have now. In the hands of the Lord, it will MULTIPLY, just as Jesus performed the miracle of the five loaves and the two fish and was able to feed 5000 men, excluding the women and children present, with 12 baskets of crumbs remaining.

What an encouragement for us to remember to give the “little” faithfully to God and believing that In His Hands the little that we give, be it, in our time, resources or ourselves will indeed multiply.

Prayer Response:

Dear Lord,
Give me a heart for people that I may see them as You see them. I know that I do not have to go far to do this. Help me to be faithful in all the little opportunities that You present in my way. Help me seize them and believe that as I am faithful in these moments, great things can happen in Your Hand. Amen.

- Devotional based on Rev Norman Wong’s message on Missions Sunday