We learn from experiences and daily occurrences. The fact that God speaks to us in diverse ways cannot be overemphasized. The Bible states, But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty (1 Corinthians 1:27, KJV). This reminds us that even the simplest, most insignificant moments can carry profound spiritual lessons if only we pay attention with the eyes of the Spirit.
Last week, I witnessed a scene that left me pondering. A toddler sat munching on some chicken nuggets with great delight. As the number of nuggets on his plate dwindled, he began to look concerned. Eventually, he had only three pieces left. He quickly picked up two, one in his left hand, the other in his right; nibbling on one while holding the other tightly. An elderly woman nearby, noticing his attachment to the food, playfully picked up the last piece on his plate. Immediately, the child burst into tears.
I watched in amazement. He had two nuggets securely in his hands, yet he was distressed over the one that was taken. Why was he throwing a tantrum over something he wasn’t even eating?
Then it hit me: how often do we, as children of God, cry over things we don’t truly need? How often do we overlook the blessings already in our hands because we are too focused on what we think we lack? In our relentless desire for more, we sometimes fail to appreciate what God has graciously provided. Instead of enjoying and stewarding what we have, we chase after things that are unnecessary or even detrimental to us.
Paul, in his letter to Timothy, offers a powerful reminder: But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out (1 Timothy 6:6-7, KJV). Contentment does not mean stagnation or lack of ambition, but it is a posture of the heart, one that recognizes and values God’s provisions, rather than being enslaved by a restless craving for more.
When the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God provided them with manna, bread from heaven. But instead of appreciating it, they grumbled, longing for the food of Egypt (Numbers 11:4-6). They despised what God had given and fixated on what they thought they were missing. How many times have we acted the same way, disregarding our present blessings because we are consumed by an insatiable hunger for something else?
While it is good to desire progress and increase, we must first appreciate what is already in our hands. Sometimes, what we need is not “more” but wisdom to recognize and maximize what God has already entrusted to us. If we don’t value the little, why should we be entrusted with more? Jesus said, Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much (Luke 16:10, NIV).
Perhaps the breakthrough you seek is already in your possession. The talent you downplay, the connections you overlook, the resources you take for granted, these might be the very things God intends to use to bless you.
So, before you cry over what seems to be missing, take a moment to reflect on what’s already in your hands. Give thanks, use it wisely, and trust that in due time, God will bring the increase.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings You have placed in my life. Forgive me for the times I have overlooked Your provisions, focusing instead on what I think I lack. Help me to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment. Open my eyes to see the value in what You have already given me, and grant me the wisdom to steward it well. I trust that in Your perfect timing, You will bring the increase I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Today, instead of worrying about what you don’t have, take a moment to thank God for what you do have. Make a list of the blessings in your life, both big and small and commit to using them wisely. The greatest blessings often don’t come in the form of “more,” but in the wisdom to see and appreciate what’s already yours. May we learn to be faithful with the little, so we can be entrusted with much.