It is funny how sometimes we look at people who are doing things we admire and we think, “Oh, I could never do that.” We see people making a difference or creating a product or becoming successful and we may feel as though it is not in our power to do something similar. But while we are pondering the successes of those we truly aspire to be like, have you ever thought about their beginning attempts and the times they may have failed?
Truthfully, we want to make a big splash – like a huge cannonball which can have splashing effects all over the place. But honestly, I think we minimize our ability to make waves and ripples by not recognizing the power of throwing pebbles. If you skip a stone, you will see continued ripples over the water for quite some distance. The same is true for our lives. Throwing pebbles and doing your small part in this big world does make a difference and can make a true impact.
Doing small things does make a difference. Many times over the years I have seen the results of things I have helped with, or people I have invested in many years later. Sometimes there was no visible change at the moment, but years down the line, God worked in the situation or the people and life changing things occurred. And I was just one person of many who threw some seeds and then they finally planted and grew. Things just came together, without me being the master planner.
1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Being obedient and following God’s plan for our lives helps us be change makers. Simply being open to God’s purposes for our lives is important. But understanding that everything we do should be for God’s glory and not our own. Oftentimes, we want recognition for what we are doing when we can simply throw the pebble and let God make the ripples.
As God brings things to mind and opportunities for you to minister, be thankful and do your best with that precious gift he has given you. Luke 16:10 tells us, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.” Do small things well. Do big things well. Just do all things faithfully!
I am thankful to be one pebble thrower in a line of many, and may God continue the rippling effects of those stones.