Since the time I was saved, I have been reading through the Bible. Every time I read through God’s Word, I discover new and fresh revelations that I did not see before. This past month I have been reading the Book of Revelation. I came across this verse below that jumped out at me at just the right moment:
“…that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great…” (Revelation 11:18).
It jumped out at me that not just the great are noticed by the Lord, but also the small. The reason this jumped out at me is that sometimes I measure my service to the Lord as being so small and not worth much to the kingdom. I think that we all make this mistake in measuring our effectiveness for the kingdom using the scales of man.
Never underestimate all that God can do through you. “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world…” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27).
I remember when I was ministering in prison how small I felt next to many of the popular ministers that I served with. I used to feel so low next to those who were so liked and popular with everyone. Being a social flop, I didn’t see how God could ever accomplish much through me. But God is the power and we are but the utensils in His hands.
Some people spend a lifetime striving to become what God can do for them in a day. “Then the Spirit of the Lord will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man” (1 Samuel 10:6).
I am confident that most of us feel small next to the popular people that we know or see from afar. We can feel so small in our life and the little tasks that God has given to us. I think many of us do not see how God could do much through our lives or accomplish much in the little things we are doing.
God helps those who know they can’t help themselves. “For thus says the High, Exalted One who lives forever, whose name is Holy: ‘I live in the high and holy place but also with the broken and humble, in order to revive the spirit of the humble and revive the hearts of the broken ones.’” (Isaiah 57:15 CJB).
Too often we limit God in our minds by what we can do. But serving God is never about what we can do, but what He can do through us. Our service to Him should not be measured by what is important to man, but to what pleases the Lord. The Lord only asks us to do what He places in front of us.
You can either rest in His strength or strive in your weakness, but not both. “It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect” (Psalm 18:32).
God has made you for a purpose. Your purpose may be to be a prophet to a nation or to pray for others. You may speak before congregations or you may sooth a young child. In whatever the Lord has you doing, know that you are a blessing to the kingdom.
The lack of kingdom work is not because Christians won’t do the big things, but they won’t do the small things. Jesus taught, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35).
If you want to make a difference for the kingdom, then stay dependent on the Lord. It’s not your talent that God needs, but your willingness to yield to Him. You don’t need to worry about how great or small your role will be, but only that He will find you faithful.
You’d be surprised what God can do in your life if only you’d let Him. “And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you…” (Ephesians 3:16-17 TPT).
I am always so amazed at the many ways people are called to serve God. You may have the ministry of parenting children or of caring for those who are in need. You may pray for others or listen to what people are going through. Don’t think of ministry as an occupation but a way of life. In whatever God has before you, do it unto the Lord.
Blessings to you,
Paul
All Scripture is in red and uses the NKJV (New King James Version) translation unless otherwise noted.
Thank you for the encouragement. Scripture reminds us often the power of the small things we do and how it blesses Him and the kingdom. Thank you for your words.
Thank you, Anita! We have such a wonderful Father in heaven, who chooses to do work through us here on earth.
Amen
No ministry as a definition it is exactly that or this. It is the exact thing that God specifically has uniquely called you too. Thank you for the reminder it can be the role of a “parent” too (Stepmom) for me. Prepare our hearts for the road less traveled God
I think that the role for you as a parent is an especially powerful and much needed ministry in our day. My wife Mary cares for our two little granddaughters four days a week, and I see firsthand the influence her care has on them both. Blessings to you in your ministry.
I have been reading your post every Sunday since May 7. 2018. I look forward to it, it is the only devotional I read because I know it is spirit filled! I wanted to thank you, and let you know what it means to me! This post reminds me of how special each of us are for Gods Kingdom work. We will not always know who’s heart we have influenced for Jesus. Blessings!
Hi Tammy, you just blessed me so much with your wonderfully encouraging words! I want you to know that you have done something so needed and valued for me, at just the right time. I pray that God would continue pouring into you and through you to all those around you. Thank you so much for being His conduit to lift me on this day! Blessings to you, Paul
Amen!