Faithfulness in the Small Things - Your Nightly Prayer - January 27th
Faithfulness in Small Things
Your Nightly Prayer
By Candice Lucey
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” - Luke 16:10
SOMETHING TO PONDER
I’m a department manager in a grocery store, where turnover is fairly regular. Older staff retire; young staff go on to college, or they travel. Someone who was the “newbie” is bumped up in seniority. But before he or she enjoys a promotion to more interesting work, there is a period of proving that he or she can and will undertake the less glamorous work of cleaning, running errands in the enormous store, respectful listening, and a positive, mature response to constructive criticism. No action or trait of a newbie goes unnoticed, including simple adherence to regulations about attire, cell phones, and taking breaks on time. I witness a spirit of willingness, consistency of character, and store up those subtle clues. Eventually, I can form a picture of who is right to take on more difficult tasks based on both aptitude and character.
The work God puts in front of us is rarely noticeable or exciting. Your kindness might be overlooked, however rich and faithful it is. Paul wrote “let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” (1 Corinthians 7:17) As a grocery clerk, policewoman, or teacher; garbage collector, bank teller, or overseas missionary: if you have followed God’s directions to get you there, by faith you can glorify and serve him there. If you work as though you are working for Christ himself (Colossians 3:23) because you love him, then God knows, and he sees even if no one else does.
Trust him. Pursue the Great Commission out of love for him and for others. And if you long to serve God more intensely, appreciate the importance of the work that is right in front of you. God will not entrust you with bigger work if you arrogantly dismiss what he has assigned you. Besides, you might already be in a field that will flourish soon if you continue to mature in faith and grow closer to God. There is always fruit when you speak God’s truth to others - he has promised: “my word that goes out from my mouth [...] shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:11)
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father,
I want to do more for your kingdom. I have no idea if anyone I have ever told the gospel to has given his or her life to you, or even thought about it for a moment. I don’t know if there will be a harvest out of my efforts, even a small one. And yet, I want to obey your beautiful instructions - sharing the gospel is the family business, and like a small child, I want to please my Father. I want to be given responsibilities that could potentially lead more people to salvation. Meanwhile, I can be confident that you do not love me less if my mission field is small. Help me to be content with the work you give me and to be alert to opportunities you place in my way. Give me boldness to share with the needy people around me. And when I feel unseen and unappreciated, humble my heart. Help me to lean into your presence and truly experience your sufficiency.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. We do not know how big or small our work is: God will take the final tally. Maybe your faithfulness is reaping benefits now or will do so years from now. Acts of faithfulness and authenticity paired with kindness and real love touch people, but don’t be in this for the numbers. Pursue the good of others in God’s name and for his glory, and he will continue to make opportunities for you.
2. Ask him for an opening and for direction in the place where you are currently serving - at work, in the church, or in your home. Be faithful, obey, love him, love others, then wait. While you wait, pray for those people whom you have touched, and pray for patience and humility. There might not be a big reveal, at least not for you. Someone you shared the gospel with last year could be grappling with the truth right now, and that is the miracle. But you might never find out because this is their story, not yours.
3. If you think that having a conversation with one person every week about the gospel is unimportant, what does that say about how you regard this one person, or about the Lord’s power to multiply our small offering? Every person you encounter was made in God’s image. If that one person comes to a saving faith in Christ one day, remember: there are no small testimonies. Salvation is always a miracle.
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
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