Faithfulness in the Small Things: When Obedience Feels Invisible
Hudson Taylor once said,
“A little thing is a little thing, but faithfulness in little things is a great thing.”
Jesus told a story that beautifully captures this idea. In Matthew 13:32, He compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed—the smallest of all seeds—which grows into a plant so large it becomes a tree, offering shelter to birds. From something almost invisible comes something unimaginably expansive.
That’s how the Kingdom of God works. It doesn’t usually begin with fanfare or headlines. It begins in small, humble ways—in quiet prayers, unnoticed acts of love, and everyday obedience. But when God is in it, small things don’t stay small.
The Thursday I Almost Stayed Home
Most Thursdays, at least two of us walk the streets of East Dayton, praying and connecting with neighbors as the weather permits. But on this particular Thursday, I was alone. My computer beckoned, and the thought crossed my mind: "It's okay to skip just this once. Next week, we’ll be back out there."
But something deeper stirred—a reminder that faithfulness isn’t about convenience. It’s about consistency. God doesn’t need our grand gestures. He calls us to show up, to love well, and to be faithful in the little things.
So, I went. Not because it felt important, but because I knew obedience matters—even when it feels small.
When Growth Feels Too Slow
One of the reasons we struggle with faithfulness in little things is that we don’t see quick results. We pray and see no change. We serve and feel unappreciated. We love and sometimes get hurt.
But think about an oak tree. Depending on the species, it might take anywhere from 20 to 100 years to reach maturity. A Red Oak grows faster—maybe 20 to 40 years. A White Oak? Closer to a century. And yet, once fully grown, an oak can live for hundreds of years, towering over the landscape, offering shade, strength, and stability.
Faithful obedience is like that. It’s slow. Unseen. Sometimes discouraging. But over time, it becomes something deeply rooted, powerful, and enduring.
Every Small Act of Love Counts
God isn’t looking for us to do “great things” by the world’s standards. He calls us to do faithful things. Prayers. Songs. Smiles. Laughter. Honest conversations. Acts of service. Hugs. Even loving corrections.
All of it matters when done in Jesus’ name.
You might not see the fruit right away. Maybe not even in your lifetime. But when the seed becomes a tree, the fruit it bears can outlive you—and echo into eternity.
Don’t Give Up
So if you’re tired, discouraged, or wondering if any of it matters, hear this: it does. Your labor of love, your unseen obedience, your small prayers—they are not in vain.