Thankful for Small Things
Your Nightly Prayer
By Britt Mooney
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” Luke 16:10
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Small things matter.
One of my favorite books is Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss. Horton, an elephant, has large ears, enabling him to hear the call for help on a dust speck when others can’t. Horton then endeavors to save the people on the speck, and he has a great quote: “A person’s a person no matter how small.”
The way of the world dismisses small things, considering them insignificant. At least, that’s the temptation.
Fortunately, God sees small things differently. He can do great things with what we find insignificant or too little. A shepherd boy becomes a king. A couple of fish and loaves feed thousands. A poor widow gives more than the wealthy because God sees the heart. He rebuked his followers when the disciples tried to keep the annoying kids away from Jesus. “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of Heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)
God can do much with small things (Zechariah 4:10). Jesus taught how giving a cup of water to a prophet, because we understand the spiritual gift, means we share the prophetic eternal reward (Matthew 10:41-42). And we can’t lose it.
Even modern Christianity celebrates huge crowds and sales. But we all deal with the little things each day: interactions with our family, friends, and coworkers. Moments of service, including cups of cold water, may not matter to this world. But when we engage in the small things with the eternal in mind, for and in Christ, these seemingly minute acts become eternal and abundant.
With this perspective, let’s be thankful for the small things, such as the opportunities to treat all people like heaven, which is real and matters more than anything else.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for helping us see eternal value in small things. May we not overlook the quiet moments, little acts of kindness, or the people the world forgets or dismisses? Teach us to serve with joy and hope, whether offering a cup of water or speaking a gentle word. Remind us that nothing done with and for you is ever wasted. Let us love unconditionally, give freely, and trust you to multiply what seems lacking into something eternal.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. What is an example of something in your life that started small but God helped to become something more? A business? The idea for a book you wrote?
2. What are some of the everyday interactions in your life that seem insignificant and frustrating?
3. How can you view these interactions and moments in light of eternity?
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Lisa Valder
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