“God sees our faithfulness in obscurity as preparation for increasing influence.”- Dr. Wayne Stiles
“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.”- Galatians 6:9
In Chapter 6 (“The Opportunity of Obscurity”) of Waiting on God, Wayne Stiles states that while waiting on God, we really want to know when progress will happen. However, God in His sovereignty determines that we only need to know what should occupy us in the meantime.
As a result, faithfulness in obscurity eventually leads to increasing influence- for which God alone gets the glory. However, during times of obscurity, we mistakenly believe nothing important is happening to us. Consequently, we implore God to remove us from our insignificance.
Consider Jesus’ words from The Parable of the Talents:
“His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.’ “- Matthew 25:21
Wayne reminds us that little things make big things. For example, pennies make dollars and verses make Bibles. Yet, unless we’re careful, we can fall into the trap of thinking that our insignificant actions matter little. Furthermore, if we mess up, no big deal. No one notices. In addition, the world continues in orbit. However, God notices.
French mathematician and Christian philosopher Blaise Pascal perfectly expressed the contrast between great and little things:
“Lord, help me do great things as though they were little, since I do them with your powers. And help me do little things as though they were great, because I do them in your name.”
Today’s question: How have you demonstrated faithfulness in obscurity following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “A buffet lunch”
