Saturday 19th October 2024 might seem like just another day in the middle of the month, but what if we saw it as an opportunity to reflect on the power of small, daily acts? So often we think of making an impact as something grand—something reserved for moments of spotlight or heroic effort. But the Bible is full of reminders that God works through small, often unseen actions, and it’s these small acts of faith, kindness, and love that can ripple out in ways we never expect.
The Power of Small Beginnings
Let’s start with one of Jesus’ most famous analogies: the mustard seed. Matthew 17:20 tells us, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” A mustard seed is tiny, but it grows into something much larger. In the same way, our smallest actions, when done with faith, can grow into something much bigger than we imagined.
Think about the boy with the loaves and fishes (John 6:9). His offering seemed insignificant compared to the massive crowd that needed feeding, yet in Jesus’ hands, it fed thousands. It wasn’t the size of the boy’s contribution that mattered; it was his willingness to offer what he had, trusting that Jesus would make it enough.
Doing Small Things with Great Love
Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” We often underestimate the power of small gestures: a kind word, a helping hand, a simple prayer for someone in need. In a world that celebrates big achievements, God sees and values the small, faithful acts we do in His name.
Proverbs 19:17 reminds us, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Every kind act—no matter how small—carries the weight of eternity when it’s done for the glory of God.
Your Small Act Can Be Someone’s Miracle
It’s easy to think that our small efforts don’t matter. But what if your small act of kindness today is the answer to someone else’s prayer? Perhaps that encouraging text you send to a friend will be the lift they need. Or maybe the few pounds you give to charity will make a world of difference to someone who’s struggling. James 2:15-16 challenges us with practical faith: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
When we think of what we can do today—this very Saturday—let’s not get bogged down by what we can’t do. Instead, let’s focus on what we can. God isn’t asking us to do it all, but He is asking us to do something.
A Moment to Reflect
Reflection Verse: “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” – Matthew 10:42
Reflection Question: What small act of kindness or faith can you do today that might seem insignificant but has the potential to make a big impact?
Action Step: Identify one small thing you can do today to bless someone else, whether it’s sending an encouraging message, offering a helping hand, or praying for someone in need. Do it in faith, trusting that God will use it for His glory.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You see the small things we do, even when no one else notices. Help us to recognise the value in the little acts of kindness, faith, and service that we can offer each day. Give us eyes to see the opportunities around us, and may we trust that You will use our small offerings to bring about Your purposes. We know that in Your hands, even the smallest things can become something great. In Jesus’ name, Amen.