“There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these for so many people?” John 6:9
I am too small and insignificant to matter in God’s Kingdom, what can I do that would make any difference?
Too many times I’ve heard these words, often from my own lips. These words are a lie of the enemy. He wants you to think this way so you are paralyzed and do nothing. God wants you to think this way so you can accomplish great things.
We often think one has to be famous or big to make an impact. We look at Niagara Falls and think, “now that is big.” Yes, Niagara drops a lot of water over the edge and makes a lot of noise. These falls are beautiful. But, I see little ones that humble Niagara. Little falls of Watkins Glen Gorge in New York’s Finger Lakes are often no more than feet wide and inches deep. But, when in the gorge, the sound of this little amount of water quiets surrounding sounds and can make hearing a voice difficult. This small amount of water has already carved a beautiful gorge through the hillside.
Just because these falls are small and in a decade may move less water than Niagara in a day or hour doesn’t mean they don’t have an incredible impact.
Jesus fed 5,000 men plus women and children with just 5 loaves and 2 fish, why would we think the gifts we offer, no matter how insignificant, wouldn’t be usable by God to build His Kingdom?
God will use the lowest of souls to magnify and multiply His power. Don’t believe me? Ask our Blessed Mother – “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.” Luke 1:47-48
Will you in your smallness and weakness be willing to say yes to God’s call? Will you say yes and do magnificent things even or especially when they are too big for you? This shows great trust in God, to answer Him with, “I know I am small and weak, it is Your Power and Grace not mine which will complete this. I trust You and say yes.”
Many of my favorite Bible verse carry this theme.
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
“God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong” 1 Corinthians 1:27