A Prayer to Be Faithful over Little & In Charge of Much
By Kelly Balarie
“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!’.” – Matthew 25:23 NLT
I really need to obey God more.
I really should follow through.
I don’t know why I have such a hard time reading God’s Word.
I am always messing up.
Have you ever said these things to yourself? Have you ever pressured yourself to do better, to be better, and to act better? Hard pressure ventures us outside the boundary lines of God’s easy-yoke grace. It makes us into bullies. Just as people rebel against bullies, so does our self-will when we bully ourselves. I believe no person has ever bullied themselves to be more faithful, to do more things for God, and to be more obedient in a way that truly honors and submits to God.
Important to remember is that to change, to be faithful, to stay steadfast, and to remain obedient is not our work; it is the work of God. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (Phil. 2:13, NIV)
If it were a work of self-will, we would have something to boast about. The genesis point of any act of creation begins with God and ends with God. It is arrogance to presume otherwise. Of course, all glory and praise go to God for this process. God is prepared to give us His much, the question is – will we turn to Him for His empowering grace in our little?
What does this look like? It looks like:
- Asking God for His grace because we can’t do it on our own.
- Being open to the small promptings and leadings of God as we spend time in His Word, and in our worlds.
- Moving, despite our feelings, out of a heart of love for God rather than demands of self.
The joy of our master is on the other side of our act of faithfulness. Ideally, this is what drives us. Our obedience happens because we love Him, and He loves us. Starting small is how it works. As God leads through prayer and His word, move out in what appears to be little and watch it grow big.
- A small encouraging word could lead to joy that compels you to reach five more people with God’s love.
- A dollar to a homeless person could inspire a way to house them.
- A prayer for that unseen person could lead them to get back up again and to start the ministry that will reach millions.
- A donation of love could restore a marriage and a household that leads to generational impact.
Don’t despise your small beginning sourced through your massively impactful God. It all matters. And it is all done from love, by grace, to the glory of His Name!
Let’s pray:
Father, I have a heart to obey you and to be faithful to you. Father, I confess today that I am not always obedient. In fact, I am often rebellious. Oh, God, forgive me. Have mercy on me. I am sorry. I want to draw near to you and I want you to draw near to me. I ask that any impediments or strongholds that stand in the way of my love for you be removed now. I ask for your grace to equip me as I go a new way. I ask for your love to lead me and to compel me in all my ways. I need you and I need your help. I ask to be faithful in the little so that I can be put over your much. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/KevinLeah
Related Resource: How to Choose Your One Word for 2026
This month on the How to Study the Bible Podcast, we’re starting a new series called One Word 2026, and it’s meant to be a gentle but intentional way to reflect, respond, and reconnect with God as we begin the year. In this episode, I’m walking you through why I love taking the whole month of January to pause and listen — rather than rushing into resolutions or putting pressure on yourself to “get it all together” by January 1. We’re going to start with Philippians 1:3–11, where Paul reminds us that we can have real confidence because God is still working in us, and He’s not finished.
Then I’m going to share six words I’ve been praying over for our community — six spiritual intentions that I believe reflect the kind of growth God may be inviting us into this year. You don’t have to choose one right away, and you definitely don’t have to force it — but I hope that one of these words will resonate in your spirit and give you a steady anchor for 2026.
This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to subscribe to the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
