Embracing the Insignificant: How God Uses Every Moment for His Glory

In the midst of our daily tasks and activities, have you ever stopped to consider what God is doing? Have you ever wondered if he is aware of the challenges and struggles you face? It can be easy to feel like God is distant or unconcerned when we are searching for something important and can't seem to find it. But the truth is, God is always at work, even in the seemingly insignificant moments of our lives.

I remember a time when I was searching for a specific quote to include in a new edition of my book. I knew I had read it in a book by Richard Wurmbrand, but I couldn't remember the exact source. I was convinced it was in his devotional book, "Reaching Toward the Heights," and I spent hours flipping through its pages. But no matter how hard I looked, I couldn't find the quote.

As I continued my search, I couldn't help but be captivated by the devotional for November 30th. It was a story about a young girl named Catherine who had spent her entire life in a home for mentally handicapped children. Catherine had never spoken a word and seemed completely disconnected from the world around her. She simply existed, going through the motions of eating, drinking, and sleeping.

Then, tragedy struck. Catherine had to have her leg amputated, and the staff at the home believed that her time on earth was coming to an end. But in that moment, something incredible happened. Catherine began to sing. She sang Christian hymns that she had heard and picked up over the years, hymns that were appropriate for someone facing death. For thirty minutes, she sang with a face that seemed to radiate with joy and peace. And then, she passed away quietly.

As I read this story, I couldn't help but be moved. It was as if God was speaking directly to me, reminding me that nothing is wasted when it is done in the name of Jesus. Even my futile search for a quote and Catherine's seemingly insignificant existence were not in vain. God was at work, using these moments for his purposes.

This story reminded me of a verse from the Bible, Colossians 3:17, which says, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." This verse serves as a powerful reminder that every action, every word, every moment of our lives can be an opportunity to glorify God.

But what does it mean to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus? It means that we live our lives with a deep awareness of his presence and an unwavering commitment to follow his example. It means that even in the mundane tasks and ordinary moments of our lives, we can bring glory to God. Whether we are searching for a lost item, caring for someone in need, or simply going about our daily routines, we can do it all with a heart that is focused on honoring God.

But how do we practically live this out? How do we ensure that our actions and words are done in the name of Jesus? It starts with surrendering our lives to him and seeking his guidance and wisdom in all that we do. It means inviting him into every aspect of our lives and allowing him to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions.

It also means being intentional about our choices and priorities. It means asking ourselves if what we are doing aligns with God's will and purpose for our lives. It means seeking his guidance and wisdom through prayer and studying his word. It means being open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and allowing him to guide our steps.

When we do everything in the name of Jesus, we can be confident that nothing is wasted. Even the smallest, seemingly insignificant moments of our lives can be used by God for his purposes. Just as Catherine's singing brought comfort and peace to those around her, our actions and words can have a profound impact on those we encounter.

So, the next time you find yourself in a detour or facing a seemingly insignificant task, remember that God is at work. He is using these moments to shape and mold us, to draw us closer to him, and to bring glory to his name. Embrace these moments as opportunities to live out Colossians 3:17, doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and giving thanks to God the Father through him.

As we live our lives in this way, we can be confident that nothing is wasted. Every moment, every word, every action can be an offering to God. And in his hands, even the smallest offering can be used to bring about his purposes and to bring glory to his name.

So, let us live each day with a heart that is focused on honoring God, doing everything in the name of Jesus, and giving thanks to God the Father through him. Let us embrace the detours, the seemingly insignificant tasks, and the unexpected twists and turns of life, knowing that in the hands of our loving Father, nothing is wasted.