In the Little Things

One thing I’ve noticed about the Lord is that He operates in seasons, patterns and cycles. He also delights in the small things. Throughout the Bible, the Lord showed His power through operating in small things and making something out of nothing. Jesus multiplied seven loaves and two fishes to feed 5000 people. The woman and her son had more than enough oil and flour during a famine to feed Elijah while trusting in God’s promises. 1 Kings 17 Another woman multiplied her oil and sold it to pay off her debts. 2 Kings 4.1

As we enter a new year, a new week, and a new day, whatever goals, plans, projects or assignments you’re considering, let it be a small step in the direction of elevation and progress. No matter how small it looks, the Lord will breathe on your movement of faith in action. The Lord will show Himself strong and mighty in the midst of unclarity, chaos or confusion. For God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corth 14:33 The Lord desires peace, order, and structure.

When you step out in faith, the Lord will meet you exactly where you are. In Proverbs 15:16, it states, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures with trouble.” The Lord will prepare you for development, growth and capacity. There is a divine process which includes different stages and levels of development and growth to enable you to handle capacity. You cannot rush the process. The Lord will shape your character and every challenging experience that you walked through to be able to handle the pressure, weight and depth of your growth for the expansion of capacity. Your gifts, talents, abilities, and interests are packaged for your calling, purpose and assignment. Do not limit the Lord. He is omniscience, omnipotent and omni present. (Psalm 139, Isaiah 46:10, Psalm 139:1-4)

In Proverbs, 16:8-9 it states, “Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice.” A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Every step is a step in development leading to growth.

Based on my experience, here are three intuitive phases. This is by no means the actual blueprint for your life process but only as a reference point. The Lord will divinely guide your path according to His will and plans for your life.

The Development Process

When you’re entering the phase of development. It is a season of preparation. It’s a time of exploring, discovering. experimenting and learning new things of interest. It’s a time of failure and pruning. It can be an uncomfortable process yet a time of self-discovery and fulfillment. It’s a space to embrace creativity. You may feel pulled in several directions or have no direction at all. It’s a time of isolation and idle time. Movement is slow paced. It’s a time to listen and be still.

The Growth Process

The growth process stretches you into the unknown. You seek clarity and wisdom. You do not dismiss any ideas but keep record of them. You are placed in harsh conditions to rely on God as your source. You’re constantly learning and possibly shifting to new areas to expand your knowledge and experiences. Your spiritual life becomes more tangible. You don’t see the world at surface level but understand there’s much more to life than material gain and success. Your values, morals, disciplines and principles are defined and aligned with the Lord.

The Expansion Process

The phase of expansion draws you even closer to the Lord. All reliance is based on confiding in the Lord for next steps. Courage, strength and resilience will knock on your door as you walk through higher levels of spiritual elevation and revelation. Although you may still struggle with fear or doubt, it doesn’t have the same power over you. You have authority over it. You will increase your capacity to handle tension and unstable environments with ease because you understand the power comes from the Lord who gives you the strength to overcome every scheme, plot or plan of the enemy. The creativity and ideas that the Lord has placed within you begin to surface like a seed planted in fertile ground. The years of development and growth take shape and blossom like cypress tree.

Characteristic of a cypress tree searched on Google:

Key Characteristics

  • Foliage: Typically small, scale-like leaves that hug the stems, giving a feathery look, though young plants have needle-like leaves.
  • Shape: Often conical or columnar, but can vary by species.
  • Cones: Small, woody, and round (globose).
  • Bark: Varies but often peels in strips.
  • Habitat: Many prefer moist or wet conditions, like the Bald Cypress, which thrives in water

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 55:13

Trust in the plan that God has for your life. He is faithful to complete the work that He has entrusted you with. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1;6

Characteristics of a myrtle tree researched on Google:

True Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

  • Description: An evergreen shrub or small tree with fragrant leaves and sweet-smelling white flowers, producing dark berries.
  • Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region.
  • Uses: Culinary (spices), medicinal (essential oils), ornamental, and symbolic in traditions for love, beauty, and devotion. 

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Related Bible Verses

Hosea 14:8

Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Luke 16:10

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

1 Corth 1:28

28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,

James 3:3-5

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Prov 30:24-28

“Four things on earth are small,
    yet they are extremely wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength,
    yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 hyraxes are creatures of little power,
    yet they make their home in the crags;
27 locusts have no king,
    yet they advance together in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand,
    yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

1 Corth 1:27

27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

The Light of the World

world, earth

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8:12

We cannot deny the world is exceedingly grossly dark but as the world grows darker, the light of God shines and grows brighter. Wherever the light exists, darkness is dispelled. For where the light shines, it illuminates and radiates in darkness. It’s impossible to shine a flashlight or light a candle and still be in darkness. For wherever the light goes, there is an illuminated pathway.

The world is deceived and cannot see the truth. As the world celebrates wickedness, we will walk as beacons of light. Have you noticed the movie “Wicked” is being promoted during the Christmas season like it’s a magical Christmas movie? Even the music sounds like a Christmas musical theme with the glitter floating across the screen. The world has shifted and we must remain alert and call out darkness.



As we celebrate Christmas this season, let us hold unto the glory of our resurrected King. Do not live in despair and grief in times of sorrow. One touch of God shifts the atmosphere. Holy is His name. He is the righteous judge. He is the waymaker. He is your healer and strength in times of sickness. He is your provider and restorer. He is the One true God who is and who is to come. He is your source of protection. He is the guiding light and your direction. The Holy One of Israel, we lift you up in adoration and praise! Adonai, glory is your name!

The children of God take on every character and quality of the Father. We shall walk in authority and power. We shall do great exploits in the power of His name. There will be miracles, signs and wonders.

 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matt 5:14

If you are in a dark place this Christmas, may the Holy Spirit comfort you and may the Spirit of God release you from sorrow, grief, loss and despair. Jesus catches every teardrop. He will lift the burden of heaviness and chains of bondage.

To be transparent as I write this post, I just shed a few tears as I typed these words. The spiritual warfare is thick and the weight of this world is heavy, but God will elevate and raise you up in the midst of the darkness you face. Trust in God and the power of His might.

 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Emmanuel, God with us.

Related Bible Verses

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejrects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak. John 12:46:50

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:16

Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Most assuredly, I say to you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; and you will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. John 16:20-21

 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. John 1:5

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt 5:6

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. John 9:4

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubles, neither let it be afraid. John 14:26-27

Going the Distance: Grace in the Pace

runners, track and field, racing, running

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (AMP)


When I was in junior high, I ran track. I was the second to the fastest runner in my school. I was a sprinter who ran the 50- and 100-yard dash, the 2020 relay, as well as the long jump and hurdles. One thing I noticed about the long-distance runners was that they had stamina and endurance. They paced themselves to be able to finish the race.

On the other hand, I would position my feet on the starter’s block while listening intently to the sound of the gun and push off the starter’s block to begin running. At times, one of the runners would jumpstart due to anticipation and all the runners would have to start over again.

jogger, running down the street

As I reflect on Heb 12, it is wise to release any baggage or distractions in this season and keep your eyes focused on Jesus. The world is heavy and it’s full of noise. We’re fighting opposition, oppression, weariness and spiritual warfare on every side. It will take stamina and endurance to keep moving. When you learn how to pace yourself, you’re able to overcome physical, mental, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. It’s necessary to slow down, rest and reflect when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Some people want to push ahead and disregard stressful situations or circumstances. They ignore their feelings all together. You should be honest with your feelings, but do not let your feelings rule over your mental, emotional or spiritual well-being. Don’t allow the world to dictate how you should feel either. Suppressing your emotions is dangerous and extremely unhealthy. Finding a support system or a trusted friend to talk to will help you release toxic feelings.

running
jogging
jogger
running down the street

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to take some time out to rest and focus on your priorities. We do not need to wait for the New Year for reflection. It’s important to honor God and rest in His presence regularly. Don’t allow the pressures of gathering with family wear you thin. Safeguard yourself from any energy drainers or negative Nancy’s.

In Colossian 1:11 it states, “Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

The secret to having contentment amid long suffering is endurance and letting go of your fleshy desires. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4

Although Thanksgiving is a time of reflection of gratitude, it can also be a time of greed. We live in a spoiled and commercially motivated generation. Marketers have pushed Black Friday two weeks prior to Thanksgiving! Despite the financial struggles people are dealing with, their intention is to push more commercialism into the mindset of consumers.

Chasing after the next shiny new thing does not provide contentment. It only triggers you to chase after more stuff which fills you with a void. The Lord only quenches the desires of the heart. Surely, the Lord wants us to enjoy our life, and He will provide for us, but we should not desire material wealth, status and gain more than Jesus.

We are entering unstable territory. Economies are being shaken, and faith is being tested. It’s a wakeup call. Do not put your trust in earthly things. The Lord is pruning us from the material world to shed the weight and sin of greed, manipulation, control, selfishness, envy, jealousy, comparison and competition. He is also prompting us to make a definitive decision. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matt 6:24 (NIV)

“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.” Matt 6:19-21 (AMP)


“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:25-34

When we release the stress of materialism, you can gain and embrace contentment. It’s having the ability to step out of the physical world and into the spiritual world. It’s not religion. It’s finding Jesus and having a direct relationship with Him.

two men walking in the sunset

So, do not allow the pressures of the holiday season make you depressed. You may not have everything you want. You may be alone or grieving a loved one but open your heart to the presence of God. He is your comforter, protector and waymaker. These are not merely words. It’s the living truth because I’m a witness of His miraculous working power over my life. Everything that I’ve experienced has led me to this point and I will continue to run on with endurance – not to reach a destination but to embrace the continuous flow of God’s love and grace on this journey. Wherever you are on this journey – God will meet you right there. Ready, set, go!

I have seen something else under the sun:

The race is not to the swift
    or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
    or wealth to the brilliant
    or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.

Eccl 9:11

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Bible Meditations

Isaiah 40:31

Heb 10:36

James 1:2-4

Gal 6:9

Rom 5:3-5

Lam 3:22-24

Romans 2:7

James 1: 12-20

Rom 12:12

1 Corth 10:13

Rom 15:4-5

Rom 8:28

James 5:11

1 Corth 15:58

James 5:7

1 Pet 4:12

2 Tim 4:7