31 Oct God is in the Small Things by Kim Ewoldt
I recently heard a message from 2 Kings 4:1-7 about the widow and the oil. Although it’s a familiar passage of scripture to me, this time I heard it differently. After expressing her need to Elisha, the widow was asked two questions. Elisha asked her, “What can I do for you?” and “What do you have in your house?”
She said, “Your servant has nothing at all, except a small jar of oil.” It was that response that caught my attention. The widow saw her “small jar of oil” as “nothing at all” while it actually held the potential for her provision. I realized I often do the same thing!
So I began to look for “small things” mentioned in the Bible. We only need faith as small as a mustard seed to move a mountain, (Matthew 17:20). A small lunch of five loaves and two fish fed five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus loved the little children (Luke 18:15-17). The widow’s offering of two small coins was of greater value than what others gave because she gave all she had (Luke 21:1-4).
It made me think about our church, and the individuals who are only able to do a “small thing” to serve because of time constraints or physical limitations. But because of their “small things,” babies are rocked, offering envelopes are refilled, bulletins are folded, mint bowls are refreshed, trash is picked up, lights are turned on, copies are made, and chairs are prayed over. I’m so thankful for them and for those “small things”!
It’s so easy to feel pressure to do big things for God and to overlook the small things we do. A sincere smile or an affirming word seems small but can make a big difference to someone struggling or discouraged. Sending a card to a sick person or taking a meal to a family that has experienced a loss can mean so much. What some would consider of little value is very significant to the Lord when we do it lovingly for others. I love how God takes our little and makes it much.
I’m asking God to help me be more mindful of the “small things” He has entrusted to me and not be so quick to discount them. I pray that as I give my small things to God, he will use them to release miracle impact in my life and others. I’m praying the same for you as well.
Kim Ewoldt
Hattiesburg, MS
River of Life Church
www.rolcweb.com