At
first glance, it could appear that our ministry in Ukraine thus far
has been rather scattered. However, God brought to light for me
yesterday the importance of small things.
A
large part of our ministry this week has been building relationships
among our team members, as well as spending time with Masha. Though
we have not done much specifically with the ministry we came to
serve, and no “fireworks� or dramatic conversion experiences have
taken place, God has been working in and through us. We have been
able to encourage one another and build community among us. We found
out Wednesday evening that just one week before we came to Ukraine,
Masha had been praying for a way to use her English and ability to be
a Ukrainian-English translator to serve…and then we arrived. We
have been able to serve her in providing her community as her sisters
in Christ, and God has answered her prayers in having an avenue in
which to serve. It’s awesome to see how God has used us to bless her
life and her our lives. We have concluded that even if God didn’t
work in any other way through us in ministering in Ukraine, it was
more than worth it to be here to connect with and serve Masha! As I
began to think about this concept more, I noticed how God works in
the small things more often than we often realize. Masha is the most
recent example, and the little girl, Leah, that we met in Atlanta is
another prime example. I can even recall ways that God worked in
small ways while I was in college; I’ve even wondered if a just one
experience that I had while in college may set the course for what I
do career-wise after college.
God
also reminded me of a verse in the Old Testament that relates to this
topic in “not despising the day of small things.� He was
encouraging one of His prophets to not give up, not get discouraged,
when it didn’t seem like much was being reaped in ministry, but to
persevere, because God worked even in the small things. I think that
is a solid word for all believers, because we’re all ministers of the
Gospel of grace in one way or another!
The hands of Zerubbabel
have laid the foundation of this temple; His hands shall also finish
it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. For
who has despised the day of small things? �”
Zechariah 4:9-10
