by Kari Stewart on November 04, 2024
Statistics can be overwhelming. In fact, they make us wonder if our small contributions can truly make an impact. But in Zechariah 4, God’s Word reminds us not to despise small beginnings. It’s not about how much we give, but rather our obedient response to the invitation God places before us.
In John 6, Jesus multiplied a boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 people, not including women and children.
In 2 Kings 4:1-7, a widow facing insurmountable debt is told that if she doesn't pay, her two sons will become slaves to settle the debt. She explains her situation to the prophet Elisha, who asks, “What do you have?” She has nothing but a jar of oil, yet that single jar of oil was enough to cover her debt.
In 1 Samuel 17, a young boy accepts the challenge of a giant taunting God’s people. While others cower in fear, David takes a sling and a stone to defeat the tormentor in God’s name.
In these stories, we see the power of:
- Faith in God
- Prayer
- Action
- Obedience
God used what they had!!! A basket of fish and bread, a jar of oil, a sling, and a stone. None of these were remarkable on their own, yet in God’s hands, they led to miraculous outcomes.
Our theme for Mission Focus this year is Bold Faith, Gentle Love.
Bold Faith reminds us that we, as followers of Jesus, are called to “tell of His great news” boldly and to love those who do not yet walk with Jesus. We are to be present with them gently, without condemnation or criticism, trusting the Holy Spirit to work as we obediently use what God has placed in our hands.
Did you know that 42% of the world has yet to hear the name of Jesus? What has God given you that could be used to reach them? I want to encourage us not to cower in the face of this statistic, even though it may seem too great for us to make a dent in. Prayerfully consider what God has put into your hand. What do you have access to? What can you submit before the Lord and inquire how it can be used.
- Do you have time? Consider volunteering with our Missions Office, going on a short-term mission trip, or praying for the missionaries and organizations we support.
- Do you have talent? God has uniquely gifted you for His purposes. We’d love to meet with you to explore how your skills might be used to reach those who have yet to hear the name of Jesus.
- Do you have treasure? Has God blessed you financially to help make Jesus known in the most unreached parts of the world?
The disciples, the Israelites, and the widow could not see a way out of their situations, but God saw what they had and used it to provide for them and grow the faith of future believers.
The words of David embolden me:
“You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.” (1 Samuel 17:45)
There is power in the name of Jesus. Let’s pay attention to what is in our hands and to what God is inviting us to be part of.
