THE LITTLE THINGS

THE LITTLE THINGS

               Not many of us live a life that is full of thrilling, exciting events!  And even those who go from one adventure to another find that after a while, even that becomes commonplace and mundane. Just a few days ago I was reminded that very important, God sent, and even life changing events many times start with common, ordinary, and seemingly run-of-the-mill experiences.

               My regular Bible reading had brought me to I Samuel chapter 9.  It tells about a rather wealthy man by the name of Kish.  One day Kish’s donkeys broke out of their pen and wandered off.  Any of us raised on the farm know that when livestock get out of the fence, the first thing that needs to be done is to find them. They need to be brought back before something happens to them or they ruin some neighbor’s crops, fences or even worse. So Kish said to his son Saul, “Take a servant with you and go look for the donkeys.”

               After searching unsuccessfully Saul said, “Let’s go home.”  But the servant said, “Let’s find the prophet who lives around here.”  The day before they found him, the prophet Samuel got a message from the Lord.  He said, “About this time tomorrow I will send you a man from Benjamin.  Anoint him to be leader of my people Israel.”  Notice the Lord said, “I will send you a man.”  How did the Lord do that?  By allowing (causing?) the donkeys to get loose!  I am sure that Kish, his son Saul, or the servant had no idea that God had arranged for the donkeys to get out!  But God had an agenda!  He ALWAYS does!

               Saul obeyed. I thought to myself, “What if Saul had not obeyed?” Actually, since God was working this out in order for Samuel to meet Saul.  Saul had no choice!  God was at work and Saul’s obedience led to a startling event that he could never imagine in his wildest dreams…to be anointed King of Israel.

               Through a series of “coincidental” events such as: 1) the servant suggesting they find the prophet, 2) they “happened” to meet some girls who knew what road to take to find the prophet; 3) Samuel “happened” to be walking on that same road toward them; 4) Samuel knew Saul was the man as soon as he saw him.

               So, the mundane daily requirements of life many times lead us to untold blessings and opportunities.  As with Saul, it might begin with a disappointing inconvenience or an interruption of a schedule and regular routine. But God is working on the other end of the story!  Who knows what thrilling things He has for those who obey in the “little” things? 

               I am reminded of the Lord talking to Zerubbabel in Zechariah 4:10 as he was doing some small things to begin the temple. The Lord said, “Do not despise these small beginnings…”!

Note: This was written the first part of November, 2012. It is to be published in InterAct Ministries InterCom edited by Judy Richardson.