In an age when many feel “bigger is always better,” it is easy to consider small things as insignificant and unimportant. It’s not true (think atoms and diamonds), but some people have difficulty accepting that “small” can be very good. This Thanksgiving consider how small things make a big difference.
God Considers Small Things
Good news! We have a God who enjoys using small or seemingly insignificant things for His glory. 
A much bigger impact than we imagined often follows. Think about Jesus’ first miracle of turning water into wine. He used simple, utilitarian water pots. Little beauty existed with them; they were common items found in all homes. That day these insignificant vessels became important to what Jesus did.
The Word of God delights in showing us how seemingly small, insignificant things can be greatly used by God.
Consider the following:
- A handful of meal and a few drops of oil (I Kings 17:12)
- A cloud the size of a man’s hand (I Kings 18:44)
- Faith the size of a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20)
- A lunch just big enough for one small boy (John 6:9)
- A widow’s offering equal to half a penny (Mark 12:42)
Sometimes we allow “small thinking” to cloud our view of what we do have to offer God. We consider our abilities as small when compared to those who seem to shine in any area they try. Or we may think our testimony is insignificant when we hear others tell how God pulled them from deep sin. God views things differently. He recognizes the true worth of what we offer Him.
“But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (I Corinthians 1:27). Don’t be afraid to give your small, or what some would consider insignificant, abilities to God.
He takes what we have to offer and uses it to do something so much bigger than we ever dreamed. You may only have a staff like Moses, a jawbone like Samson, or five smooth stones like David, but that’s enough. If Satan can convince us that we have nothing of significance to offer, he can paralyze us to where we don’t even try. Beware of his tactics! Anything we do for God—big or small—will never be insignificant.
It really isn’t about us at all. It’s about taking what we have and allowing God to use it for His glory. We are weak but He is strong.
Remember, small stuff matters!
Making It Personal
What are some small but important things in your life?
Has a small decision ever affected your life in a big way?
Think of a time when God blessed your small ability and used it in a bigger way than you ever dreamed.
What little thing can you do this week that may make a difference in someone’s life?
Bio: Mary Loudermilk considers chocolate and ice cream as basic food groups to be enjoyed and shared with friends. She values time spent studying, teaching, and writing about God’s Word.
Resources and Links
A version of this content originally appeared in Reflections. To see more content or subscribe, visit Reflections.
Looking to become more grateful? Start here with Nona Freeman’s books. Sister Freeman had a beautiful way of challenging us to recalibrate our perspective.
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