Doing Small Things Faithfully

Some days I think I don't have the strength to do God's will. I feel He asks too much of me and I'm overwhelmed by my human-ness. Sometimes I respond with resignation and say "I can't do that"; sometimes I get angry with Him and say "It was easier when I wasn't a Christian. You ask me to do such difficult things." But God takes all my nonsense and patiently waits till I am ready to obey. Because after all the struggle I have to accept that it is the right thing to do.

Today Pastor Stanley talked about much the same thing in his sermon - CHOOSING to walk through the narrow gate because that is the road that will lead to Christ; CHOOSING to bear fruits that are worthy of Christ. But I'm struggling, even now, to obey. To give up self-indulgence, immediate self-gratification - for the unseen promise of eternity that can only come with self-denial and discipline.

It is a daily choice to obey. A daily choice to keep your mind, spirit and body sanctified for God's use. It is a difficult struggle for me - especially at times when I feel time is running out, another year has passed & I have yet to see the fruits of my obedience.

But God is asking me to leave my tomorrows and my yesterdays in His hands. To just be faithful where I am today. Words I read in The Sunday Times today come to mind - "measure success by whether we do good, rather than whether we do well".... To do small things that draw attention to God rather than big things that draw attention to ourselves. So I need to ask how I can turn my gaze from looking inward to looking more upward and outward. To do small things faithfully - like the driver of a taxi I got into yesterday... Just above each door handle of his taxi he had printed "Knock and the door shall be open to you". How marvellous - a simple message, but what a wonderful opportunity to begin a conversation with any passenger who asks and to share the gospel.I have much to learn, Lord.