Small Change, Big Difference
It’s hard for us to see the gradual change
Reference: Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people. (Genesis 25:17 NIV)
Explore: We have had our foster boys for nearly three years now. I know they have grown in size because I have to keep updating their clothes with bigger sizes!
But whenever we catch up with someone we haven’t seen for a while we are reminded that they have grown in character too.
“They seem much more settled.” “They seem to be doing really well.” “It’s great to see how well they can focus now.”
We are certainly far from role model behaviour, but it’s hard for us to see the gradual change due to being with them every day. We hope and pray the maturity continues and it’s lovely when someone points it out to us.
Application: These small changes in our lives often go undetected. But small, gradual changes made over a long period of time can make a huge difference.
Back in Genesis 16, God promised to make Ishmael the head of many generations. This certainly didn’t happen overnight. 137 years later it was very true.
I wonder how long it took for Ishmael to realise God had fulfilled his promise?
Often we don’t notice God moving in our lives either. He tends to make small, incremental changes that in time develop our wisdom and our trust in Him.
Don’t miss the slight movement of God. If you get on board with Him He will help you move mountains… one shovel of dirt at a time!
Prayer: Lord, we are so blessed that You have committed yourself to developing a deeper relationship with humankind. May we notice You in the small things as well as in the huge statements of Your majesty. Amen.
Where can you see God’s slight movement in your life?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.