Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you?
There are days I feel so insignificant—worthless, even—to the kingdom. I wonder: How could anything I have to offer be of value? I vacillate between working hard and giving up. Pressing on, then walking away.
But, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The writer of Psalm 77 felt the same way:
“I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh that God would listen to me…I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filed with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed?” –Psalm 77:1, 5-8 (NLT)
What changed? My perspective. My circumstances. When I feel insignificant, I start to doubt God’s power.
This past week, my family participated in a mission trip to Brazil where we told Bible stories to a group of people who had never heard them before. One story we shared was from John 6, where Jesus feeds the 5,000.
What struck me most was this: Out of all those people the disciples found only one small boy willing to share what he had.
“There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” –John 6:8-9 (NLT)
This is my question too: How can my small offering make a difference?
The answer is this: Leave the results up to God. He desires a willing heart.
When Jesus fed the 5,000, it reminded the Jewish crowd of another miracle—one from the days of Elisha, the prophet:
A man brought Elisha a sack of fresh grain and some bread. The man of God told his servant to give it all to the people who were following him. The servant was astounded. How could one small offering feed more than 100 people? “And when they gave it to the people, there was plenty for all and some left over, just as the Lord had promised.” (from 2 Kings 4:42-44)
Over and over again, we see the faithfulness of God in Scripture. He did mighty miracles for the people in Elisha’s day. He worked wonders in the time of Jesus.
So why do we still doubt his power in our lives today?
Is God true to his word?
Is he faithful?
Does he do what he says he will do?
The Psalmist reminds us:
“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.” — Psalm 77:11
So—what has God done in your life that demonstrated his faithfulness to you?
Think about the ways he has provided, protected, and kept his promises. Then, open your hands to Him. Offer your heart, no matter how small your gift may feel.
And watch him perform a miracle.