Small Efforts

By Words of Hope, Thursday, January 15, 2009

Read: John 21:1-14

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." (vv. 9-10 NIV)

Going through old slides, I came across a picture of Dad and me cutting a log in the backyard. I was only five and Dad didn't need my help, nor did I have much to offer. But he wanted to include me.

The Lord also wants to include us in his work. The disciples experienced this when Jesus took what little food they provided and multiplied it to feed many. After the resurrection he made this point again. The disciples had fished all night. In the morning Jesus caused them to haul in a tremendous catch. Jesus built a fire and began cooking breakfast. With the aroma of sizzling fish filling the air, he asked them to bring some they had just caught. Why ask this when he already had fish on the fire? Because he wanted to include them. Jesus shows again that he would work through the disciples' efforts and multiply them into something remarkable.

As Christians God calls us to some awesome tasks—loving the unlovable and sharing his love with the world. Sound overwhelming? He never expects us to do this on our own. He works through our feeble efforts and uses them in his bigger plan.

Prayer: Lord, use our small efforts in your grand plan.

Used with Permission