How has your ministry been able to thrive in these tough economic times?” someone asked the leader of a nonprofit organization. “It’s because of the small gifts,” he said without hesitation. “The big gifts dry up when things get tough. But we have a lot of people who make small donations, and they give faithfully out of what they have.”
Big, splashy things impress the world. The wealthy lend their names and mountains of cash to buildings and endowments, and we are the beneficiaries. Generosity by the rich is nice, regardless of their motivation. But God isn’t impressed by wealth.
Shortly after the people’s dramatic escape from Egypt, God gave Moses instructions for constructing the tabernacle. Moses said, “Let those with generous hearts present the following gifts to the Lord,” and he listed the needs (Exodus 35:5). He also said, “Come, all of you who are gifted craftsmen” (Exodus 35:10). And the people came. Everyone who had a willing heart could play a role. In fact, they were so generous that Moses finally had to say, “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” (Exodus 36:6).
When we look at all the problems and needs facing us, despair may seem like a tempting option. But God uses small things and anonymous people to dissolve impossible predicaments. Our desperation is our cue to lean fully on Him.
“Little is much when God is in it,” wrote songwriter Kittie Louise Suffield. When we prayerfully and generously do what we can to address the needs God places in our path, He will take care of the rest.
Don’t despise the small gifts. They can lead to great things by God’s gracious hand.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 42:1-38
More:
According to the prophecy of Haggai, why were the people of Judah not thriving? (1:1-11).
Next:
Do you tend to overlook the little things? What small thing can you do today to build something in Jesus’ name?
tom felten on January 26, 2012 at 12:28 pm
Thanks, Tim. It’s so true, living out a heart of gratitude to God for the little things brings big spiritual refreshment!
marilynmk on January 26, 2012 at 3:52 pm
Indeed the LORD provides! Last week I only had $1.11 in my bank and $60 to spend for the whole week with a family of 6.But I still gave $20 for my tithe and I prayed to God that I ‘m giving this not of abundance and I know you’re faithful and if you will, please mulitiply. That same afternoon when I sell my gold, I was only expecting $50 or $100 max , but God made it $300.He is indeed faithful and never fails us.
tim gustafson on January 31, 2012 at 6:48 am
Marilynmk, you seem to be living where I have been living. It has been hard lately, but God keeps showing up in ways I’ve never seen before.
winn collier on January 27, 2012 at 7:42 pm
it’s the small words and small faithful acts that I’ve seen do the deepest work. Thanks for this.
BearPair on January 29, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Tim, this devotional is so good–THANKS! How true it is that it is the small things which God can use in a mighty way!
daisymarygoldr on January 31, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Good pointer, Tim; God uses small things. It is something I need to remind myself all the time. When we are faithful in the little things, God accomplishes great things in and through our lives.