Small Still Matters: How God Works in Our Faithfulness

Every few months, I hold a zoom call for Women’s Ministry Directors within our affiliate churches. It’s a time to provide updates, share resources, and pray for one another. However, last week, the turn out on the call was much smaller than usual. I even prepared some words of encouragement for the leaders, but abandoned the plans at the last minute. Although some had previously indicated to me that they were unable to attend due to other commitments, admittedly, I was disappointed.

We’ve all been there. A clear vision. Well-laid plans. God-honouring intentions. But then comes the declined invitation. The last minute cancellations. The half-empty room. The apathetic response. No matter if we’re hosting in our homes or serving in a full-blown ministry, we can be prone to disappointment and discouragement when fruit seems minimal.

We live in a “go big or go home” culture. High visibility, maximum output, and rapid growth are most valued. The more followers and the wider the influence, the better. Yet this is not the way of Jesus. Instead, He reframed the smallest numbers as a means for God’s deepest transforming work.

• For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20
• Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
• What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? Luke 15:4
• Jesus then took the [five} loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the [two] fish, as much as they wanted. John 6:11

When we confuse faithfulness with results, we place outcomes over obedience. True lasting impact often begins in the exact opposite way that culture demands – small and quiet. Scripture tells us that we may plant and sow while another may water and reap, but ultimately, God gives the growth (Jn. 4:37-38; 1 Cor. 3:6-9). We need only to pray for God’s wisdom and direction as we follow where He leads.

Rest assured, God does not dismiss our quiet conversations, our small gatherings, our heartfelt prayers. When our assignment seems to require much faith with little recognition, we can look to the Lord for strength to continue in humility and hope. He is in the midst of it, big or small, public or private, when we do it for Him. In fact, ministry doesn’t take place only in churches where everyone can see. It happens in coffee shops, around kitchen tables, at hospital bedsides, on playgrounds, and in prayer closets.

My part is not feeding five thousand men. My part is giving my lunch to Jesus. Emily Freeman

After my initial disappointment and despite my self-serving reaction, I realized my zoom call was perfectly orchestrated by God. Some very hard things were shared that may not have been communicated in a larger group. The Lord knew exactly what was needed that night. My role was only to trust Him.

So hopefully the next time I’m prone to disappointment, I’ll remember that God is never disappointed with my faithfulness. Even the smallest offering, when done for His glory, is never done in vain.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9