We live in a culture obsessed with the "main stage." We see the massive conferences, the viral testimonies, and the leaders who seem to move mountains with a single sermon. Naturally, as members of the body of Christ, we want to do "big things" for the Kingdom. We want our lives to count for something significant.
But what happens when your "big thing" feels like a very small thing? What happens when your ministry is making sandwiches, folding chairs, or simply being the person who consistently prays for a neighbor?
It’s easy to feel like you’re on the sidelines. But here is the beautiful truth: God doesn’t just use small things; He specializes in them.
Don't Despise the Day of Small Beginnings
In the book of Zechariah, the people were rebuilding the temple, and it didn't look nearly as grand as the one before it. People were discouraged. But God sent a word:
Zechariah 4:10 NLT [10] Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.) (emphasis mine)
In God’s economy, a "small" act done with great love carries more weight than a "huge" act done for recognition.
The Mustard Seed Strategy
Jesus often used the smallest things to explain the biggest concepts. He told us that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed—the tiniest of seeds that eventually grows into a tree large enough to house birds.
Matthew 13:31-32 NLT [31] Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. [32] It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”
Think about the examples we see in Scripture:
John 6:9-13 NLT [9] “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” [10] “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) [11] Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. [12] After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” [13] So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
Mark 12:41-44 NLT [41] Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. [42] Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. [43] Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. [44] For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Matthew 10:42 NLT And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
But what happens when your "big thing" feels like a very small thing? What happens when your ministry is making sandwiches, folding chairs, or simply being the person who consistently prays for a neighbor?
It’s easy to feel like you’re on the sidelines. But here is the beautiful truth: God doesn’t just use small things; He specializes in them.
Don't Despise the Day of Small Beginnings
In the book of Zechariah, the people were rebuilding the temple, and it didn't look nearly as grand as the one before it. People were discouraged. But God sent a word:
Zechariah 4:10 NLT [10] Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.) (emphasis mine)
In God’s economy, a "small" act done with great love carries more weight than a "huge" act done for recognition.
The Mustard Seed Strategy
Jesus often used the smallest things to explain the biggest concepts. He told us that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed—the tiniest of seeds that eventually grows into a tree large enough to house birds.
Matthew 13:31-32 NLT [31] Here is another illustration Jesus used: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. [32] It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”
Think about the examples we see in Scripture:
- A Boy’s Lunch: Five loaves and two fish were "small" until they were placed in the hands of the Bread of Life. Then, they fed more than 5,000.
John 6:9-13 NLT [9] “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” [10] “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) [11] Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted. [12] After everyone was full, Jesus told his disciples, “Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.” [13] So they picked up the pieces and filled twelve baskets with scraps left by the people who had eaten from the five barley loaves.
- The Widow’s Mite: She gave two small copper coins—literally worth less than a penny. Yet Jesus said she gave more than all the wealthy donors because she gave from her heart.
Mark 12:41-44 NLT [41] Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. [42] Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. [43] Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. [44] For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
- A Cup of Water: Jesus explicitly mentions that even giving a cup of cold water in His name will not go unrewarded.
Matthew 10:42 NLT And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”
The "Anatomy" of the Body
The body of Christ has many parts. Not everyone is an eye or a hand. Some parts are "lesser," but they are indispensable.
1 Corinthians 12:14-22 NLT [14] Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. [15] If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. [16] And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? [17] If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? [18] But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. [19] How strange a body would be if it had only one part! [20] Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. [21] The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” [22] In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
Think about it: you don't notice your big toe until you stub it—then you realize that tiny part is responsible for your entire balance.
If you are the "big toe" of your church—the person who works behind the scenes to keep things balanced and moving--rejoice. Without your "small" contribution, the body would stumble.
Your Small is God's Big
If you feel like you aren't doing "big" things, remember that God’s definition of greatness is often the opposite of ours. Being "faithful over a few things" is exactly what leads to the Master saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant"
Matthew 25:19-23 NLT [19] “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ [21] “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’ [22] “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ [23] “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ (emphasis mine)
Your small act of kindness, your consistent prayer, your faithful attendance, and your quiet encouragement are the threads that God uses to weave the tapestry of His Kingdom. You aren't "just" doing the small things. You are doing the work of God.
The body of Christ has many parts. Not everyone is an eye or a hand. Some parts are "lesser," but they are indispensable.
1 Corinthians 12:14-22 NLT [14] Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. [15] If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. [16] And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? [17] If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything? [18] But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. [19] How strange a body would be if it had only one part! [20] Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. [21] The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.” [22] In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.
Think about it: you don't notice your big toe until you stub it—then you realize that tiny part is responsible for your entire balance.
If you are the "big toe" of your church—the person who works behind the scenes to keep things balanced and moving--rejoice. Without your "small" contribution, the body would stumble.
Your Small is God's Big
If you feel like you aren't doing "big" things, remember that God’s definition of greatness is often the opposite of ours. Being "faithful over a few things" is exactly what leads to the Master saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant"
Matthew 25:19-23 NLT [19] “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. [20] The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ [21] “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together! ’ [22] “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ [23] “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ (emphasis mine)
Your small act of kindness, your consistent prayer, your faithful attendance, and your quiet encouragement are the threads that God uses to weave the tapestry of His Kingdom. You aren't "just" doing the small things. You are doing the work of God.
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