The "little" things are important, too

  If we can trust God for our eternal salvation,
how can we not trust Him to provide for the
“little” things of life?”
~M.E.Howard

The "little" things in life . . . . that probably includes all those things that I think about, worry about, and stress about like my kids, the house payment, the dwindling bank account, the price of gas, and how in the world we will ever pay for all the dental work the girls have had this past month. I think those would be considered the "little" things of life, at least in contrast to the eternal significance of salvation, grace, and forgiveness. This makes so much sense! And what is even more startling in the reality of my everyday life, is that God has always been faithful to provide for every "little" thing in the past, as well as the "big," eternal areas of my life, so why do I wonder if He will pull through for our family today? Really, I'm relatively intelligent, so why do I do this? Why do I worry, when I can look back over the years and see, so clearly, God's hand in every situation that we simply had no clue how it was going to work out?

Sometimes we confuse "trust" with "laziness" . . . . sometimes we confuse the notion of trying to "earn" God's love and grace with good, old-fashioned hard work. No, our relationship with God is NOT based on our "works of righteousness," because we simply don't have any works that resemble "righteousness," at least in eternal terms. And perhaps growing up in a community and a family that stressed hard work, self-reliance, determination, and "grit" has given me a sense of my responsibility in the big picture of life. I think it is clear in Scripture that God expects us to use the gifts He has given us to do the work He has put before us - and then TRUST Him with the results.

Finding that balance can be tricky, especially for those of us who have been taught to "work before you play," and do our part in God's plan. I know I frequently think that my requests are just so insignificant compared to the struggles that others are having, that perhaps I should not "bother" God with my little concerns. If I am not doing my part, then how can I expect God to honor my prayers? However - I also realize that I need to get over it! This "little" reminder is a helpful and encouraging word today, as I seek to discover ways to "work" at the tasks that God has put before me today, without carrying the burdens of stress, anxiety, and worry that usually tag along like a dust cloud swirling around me as I trudge through my daily responsibilities.

Today, I choose to remember that God has given me "work" to do, but that the results are not my responsibility. Today, I choose to remember that He has always been faithful, not only in the eternal salvation of my soul and the resultant changes in my heart and life, but that He has always been faithful in the "little" things. The house payment has been made for the month, the car payment was sent out yesterday, all the other bills have been paid (on time!), and we have food in the cupboards and gas in the car. What else could this mama need?

If you would like to share your thoughts on this quote and participate in this week's "In Other Words," please visit Urailak on her blog, "Living for God," and leave a link to your post so we can stop by and visit you. Then, you can find links to all the other participants and visit them, too!

Comments

[Karen Gillett]

That is what is so wonderful about God is the fact we can trust Him with the little and the big stuff. Neither is too small or greater for Him to handle. All we need to do is trust, how hard can that be? Knowing us the severity changes with our emotions, selfishness, and desires. Thanks for sharing today, I enjoyed it!

[Marsha young]

So true - "when we can look back and see God's hand" in all that He has done.

As one who was also taught to "work before we play" trust has always been a challenge for me. But as I get older, it does seem to come more quickly and more naturally. Maybe God has just "worn me down." :) Or builtme up. :) Blessings to you - Marsha

[Urailak @LivingforGod]

Thanks so much for your warm welcome!I'm so glad you linked up. I enjoyed reading your post.

[Rachel]

Great post! I needed that reminder!