The Small Things of God

This post is part of Bridget Chumbley’s Blog Carnival on joy. Head on over and read some great posts on Joy!

 Sandgr_Nam-Mprf1-Etosha-wGod puts mirrors of fatherhood throughout all his creation. They are the small, still reminders of His model for our lives. Did you know that a father Namaqua Sandgrouse of Africa's Kalahari Desert flies as far as 50 miles a day in order to soak himself in water? Afterwards he returns to his nest, where his chicks can drink from his feathers. Now, after one of our family major water gun fights, I seriously doubt my kids would want to drink anything dripping off of me! In small acts of kindness towards His children, the Father speaks eternal worth into our hearts. Like the example of the African grouse, the lengths He will go to prove His care for us astounds me.

On one summer vacation in North Carolina, my daughter was swimming in the surf and lost a favorite bracelet. After searching for quite a while and coming up empty handed, she was devastated. We talked about God’s love for her, even in the small things. We prayed for a right attitude and for the lost bracelet. Together we left the beach for lunch and left the bracelet in God’s hands. Later that day we went for a beach walk and as my daughter was looking for shells; I went to put my feet in the water. As I entered the waves, guess what rolled up between my feet? I picked up the once lost but now found treasure and called to my daughter. Imagine the joy of a “little thing” being place back into the care of her hands. She learned an invaluable lesson about the small things of God and will never forget it.

Throughout the scriptures the Father uses many “small things” to speak to us. In the one small smooth stone that dropped Goliath (who said rock music was bad?) he speaks of protection in standing against unrighteousness. He speaks of provision and faith in the handful of meal and a jar of oil that carried a widow and her son through years of famine With five barley loaves and a couple of small fish that fed a multitude the Father speaks of the abundance He has for us.

From super large SUVs to super sized fast food; (hmm, I wonder which one delivers better “gas” mileage?) the notion today is that bigger is better. All the while God leans towards the small things to explain His Kingdom to us.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; [32] and this is smaller than all other seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches."
Matthew 13:31-32

From a small town called Bethlehem, God announced freedom from sin was at hand. To a small man (Zacchaeus) sitting in a tree, He shows salvation comes to us personally. The Father causes us to live large on small things. His focus is so much finer than ours, His concern over details dwarfs our own. You belong to Him; His care for you is precise, to the point, and always on target. In the finding of a child’s lost treasure or the many examples of His care, let us not ever underestimate the power of the small things of God.

True joy is found in them all.

Peace and Blessings,
Jay

 

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Comments

jasonS said…
I feel the joy in this, Jay. I love this post and can't agree more. I marvel at His eye for detail...
Jay,
God's perspective is really different than ours! Beatifully woven post, nice imagery. Thanks for sharing! Peace and joy!
Unknown said…
Jason and Mari-Anna,

I appreciate your comments and kind words.
They bring...well, joy to my heart!

Thanks!
Jay
JoAnne Bennett said…
I imagine your daughter will cherish always "the joy of a “little thing” being placed back into the care of her hands." Great post on the imaginary of God’s love for us, even in the small things. Jay, thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your kind comment :).

JoAnne
Unknown said…
JoAnne,

My daughter is now 19 and has never forgotten that gift. Enjoyed visited you blog! Thanks for the comments.

Blessings,
Jay
Kathleen Overby said…
One of those never to be forgotten 'rocks' of faith happened upon your daughter that day. Loved the memory recounted and the honor you give it.
Anonymous said…
A 'little thing' that had a huge impact... I love these kinds of stories. Thanks so much for sharing this, Jay.
S. Etole said…
"live large on small things" ... you do come up with the best thoughts
Unknown said…
Kathleen, S.Etole and Bridget,
I so appreciate the kind words and that you took the time to visit here!

Blessings,
Jay
Tricia said…
Thank you so much for sharing this.
caryjo said…
How cool!! I just love the "bracelet" story... sounds so much exactly the kindness that our Lord does for us and ours to remind us that He is bigger than any of our problems and concerns. Thanks so much!
Unknown said…
Tricia and Caryjo...you have blessed me with your thoughts. Bless ya!

Jay
Leigh said…
Very precious! May your daughter always remember that experience!

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