Great Things From Small Beginnings

When Kirk was a teenager, his mother also abandoned the family, making him the primary carer for his six younger siblings.

Ruth 4:1-22

Reference: v.17 The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.  (TNIV Bible)

Explore: Kirk is a great friend of mine.  He lives in the Philippines and we became mates in 2005 when I travelled there for a short-term missions trip.  When Kirk was a child, he lived in a slum and was found playing in the dirt outside his home.  His father had abandoned the family and his mother could not afford to send Kirk, one of her eight children, to school.  Kirk was accepted into a child sponsorship program, started attending school, and had his basic needs taken care of.  When he was a teenager his mother also abandoned the family.  This made Kirk the primary carer for his younger siblings, thus he was a ‘single parent’ for six children at the age of seventeen.  Working two jobs whilst studying at university, Kirk often worked twenty-hour days to provide for his family and continue his education.  It’s clear to see that life has been quite challenging for my friend.  However, now Kirk is a qualified teacher and oversees the child sponsorship program.  He is pivotal in the livelihood of hundreds of other children who are living in slums, but desiring a better future – just like Kirk once did.  It is amazing how from such a small beginning God is able to make something great come about.

Application: Naomi had lost everything.  She was a widow who was grieving over the death of her two sons.  However, she had a glimmer of hope through her daughter-in-law who stayed with her, married another of her relatives and gave birth to a son.  This boy was a shining beacon of hope to this family, but they had no idea that in two generations time another son would be born to their family who has given hope across the ages through his dedication to God.  King David was not just a fearless warrior who lived a life that honoured God, but it was also through his family line that Jesus came into the world.  Although our lives may go through grim times we never know what the future may hold for us.  God desires each one of us to prosper in Him, and if we stay committed to our faith in Christ, then great things will come from our lives.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your ability to make great things come from simple beginnings.  May we continue to dedicate our lives to you, even when we don’t know the final outcome.  Amen.

What is something great that you recognise has come from a small beginning?

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