The Greatness of Small Things

For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong; and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are: that no flesh should glory before God. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption: that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. – I Corinthians 1:28-31

I believe we all accept the mind of God is far greater than we can comprehend. What has always been fascinating to me is this idea that God will use the weak things of the world to confound the wise.  There are many examples of this in the Scriptures.  His choice of the 12 who would be his apostles serves as an example. If you were given the task of spreading a message to the entire world is this the particular mix you would have chosen? Here are some other examples of this principle.

• David and Goliath (I Sam. 17)
• The capture of Jericho (Joshua 6)
• Balaam and his donkey (Numbers 2)
• Story of Gideon & his army of 300 (Judges 7)
• Destruction of the Army of Sennacherib (II Kings 18)
• The story of Esther (Esther 4)
• Descendents through Abraham (Matthew 1)
• The resurrection of Lazarus (John 9)

One of the great examples of this principle is in the story of David and Goliath. This young boy David going against a seasoned warrior twice his size without armor confounds those who rely on human wisdom.  He didn’t use trickery or a massive weapon but a direct frontal assaults with the smallest of weapons in his hands and a great faith in the power of his God.

God has always expected of us that we be faithful in carrying out what He has charged us with. Sometimes it may seem like we are facing a giant with only a stone. Yet, we still have to throw that stone. We have to face our fears and discharge our responsibilities leaving the rest to our mighty God.

Jesus himself alludes to God using the smallest beginnings to produce the greatest results in Mark 4:30

Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth;  but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

God has always wanted his people to be dependent upon him. God has never wanted us to be completely dependent upon ourselves for accomplishing His purposes. As the Apostle Paul states “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” (I Cor. 3:6).

We are constantly challenged to do small things. Satan wants us to believe those small things will not make a difference.  It is easy to succumb to the temptation to rely on human wisdom. Where will you place your faith? In the wisdom of men or the power of God?

At this point, I want to make an application for us at Westside.  One of the small things that you can do is to invite someone to attend our upcoming gospel meeting. Hand them a card or drop a card in the mail. God does not hold you responsible for what they choose to accept or reject. We can’t know what will happen if you invite them to attend. We do know what will happen if no one invites them. – tdkeese Mar 2012