Do you have grand plans, former procrastinators? Do you want to make a big impact but find you disappoint yourself? Does getting kids off to school leave you drained? Are you too pooped after work to head out for a jog? Are you putting off and feeling guilty?
No matter the size of our goals or priorities, we can benefit from going smaller. Hold on! It’s true.
First, my report on February’s long term photo project. Ugh. I did not even come close to finishing it. However, I’m actively working it. I’ve realized I cannot keep or use all these pictures, just the best. Please pray. Now back to going small. (I should apply this to the albums.)
This month we’ll focus on the value of small steps and how to make them. I’ve been thinking about how God views small things. With Him, the size of the task is not important. What matters is believing Him, remembering to trust and obey. Readily, steadily.
Consider the value of “a little” in these scriptures.
First, on the sad side, Proverbs 6:10. The writer warns that a little folding of the hands to sleep will result in want. Lack of what is needed will come suddenly upon the one who does not work. (Not talking here about necessary rest.) Small laziness, repeated over and over brings undesirable results.
Caution: The tongue, like the small rudder of a ship, affects the whole body and can start a fire. James 3:3-6
A little leaven leavens the whole lump. Gal. 5:9 Sin spreads.
Now on the bright side, we teach God’s precepts line upon line, here a little, there a little. Isaiah 28:10
Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. Luke 17:6.
The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed that grows into a large tree. Luke 13:19
And these two: A young boy’s lunch – small considering the hunger of thousands of people – became abundance in the hands of Jesus. Luke 9:12-17
“Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and you shall inherit the land.” Exodus 23:30. God required His people to make their way bit by bit, contending for the land He had for them.
We contend, we fight for what God has for us when we remember to trust Him with our little bit – and then keep on day after day putting that in His hands. We’re inclined to think if our effort isn’t large, it doesn’t count, or if we can’t do the whole thing perfectly now, it’s not worth starting at all. We think something is too scary, too big, too demanding, too tiring, too overwhelming to tackle. Let’s stop looking at the whole giant job and ask the Lord, What is my first step? Done. What is next? Let’s learn to value small steps and keep on making them. Readily, steadily.
Which scripture above encourages you to value “small”?
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