The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly. (Isaiah 60:22)
Have you been feeling small lately? In other words, have you been feeling insignificant, irrelevant, unimportant, or of no consequence? Well, today I have a word of incredible encouragement for you, rooted in what the prophet Isaiah tells us about miraculous math.
These words remind me of the language of the apostle Paul. He knew what he was before his conversion—a sinner in need of a Savior—and he knew what he was after his conversion: a sinner in need of a Savior. This truth was so deeply impressed upon Paul’s heart that he frankly acknowledged that his place in kingdom work was, as far as he was concerned, not a place of glory. “I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle,” he wrote, “because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Corinthians 15:9).
God is in the business of increase—taking a little and making it much. I cannot think of many ministries that did not start small. That certainly was true when we planted Cross Community Church. We began with few people and scant resources, meeting in a converted movie theater, but God has grown us in His way and in His time.
And remember this: when the beginning is set upon a small scale, there can be no doubt Who has grown it along the way. God took one small, smooth stone in David’s sling and slew the giant Goliath. God took the little boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish, and more than 5,000 were fed that day.
Regardless of where this message finds you today, God is ready to take what little you have and multiply it for the good of others and for His glory. As you look out into your network of friends, do you feel like you are the least in terms of time, talent, or treasure? Give what you have to the One who can make much out of little. Remember, the world is in the business of looking for those who have great ability to accomplish great things. But God is looking for those who are available, regardless of their ability, so that He can accomplish great things through them.
God says to you today, “The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation.” What more could you ask for?
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 