The Little Things

”Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."”(John 13:7)(NIV).

We hear so much today about the ‘big things’. In the secular world, the focus is on finding the best career, getting ahead in life, planning for retirement. In the Christian realm, we read books about finding our destiny, discovering God’s purpose, being in God’s will. It seems that as a human race, we are trying to discover our identity and the meaning of life.

What if we stopped worrying about our purpose and just lived each day serving God with the little things - stopped worrying about ‘the plan’ and left the big picture to Him?

We try to find meaning in what we’re experiencing. We look at our life’s path, and think about where we’ve been and where we’re going. After my accident, my ‘big’ purpose became trying to get rid of chronic pain. I was a woman obsessed with a specific goal, one that I have still not been able to achieve.

So I am adjusting. God is showing me that He no longer wants me to focus on ‘the healing’ – that’s His job. Instead, He wants me to spend time on the ‘little things’ that are within my control. For example, did I remember to phone my mother today, and drop a thank you card in the mail to my friend? Did I savor each moment I spent today with loved ones, smile at my husband, and give my sons a hug?

God wants us to let the big things in His Almighty and Competent hands. Only He can impact our healing. Instead, we must focus on continuing to serve Him in our day-to-day lives, accomplishing the little things for Him. As we focus on serving Him with each little step we take, He will someday reveal His ultimate purpose, His ‘big plan’, to us.

Someday we will understand.

Prayer: “Heavenly Father, we leave our destiny in Your hands. We seek to serve You each day in whatever little ways we can. Amen.”

Doris Farley experiences chronic pain that began after an accident. Her circumstances have led to an unexpected, life-changing spiritual journey that has renewed her commitment to our Lord. She thanks God for reaching her and prays that He will reach you also, through the words He gives her to write for you. You may write to her at dorisfarley@aol.com