February 21 – Faithful in the Small Things

       Luke 19:13-17: "So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. 'Put this money to work, until I come back', he said....Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. The first one came and said 'Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' 'Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. 'Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.'"

       I have been a professional tennis fan for many years, following the careers and even personal lives of those playing the game. I have often prayed for these people to find the true meaning of life. At the 2021 Australian Open final in Melbourne, the runner-up mentioned in his speech that he had met the winner some twelve years earlier as a pre-teen at some tournament. The winner had treated him well, and conversed with him naturally, showing an interest in the younger, burgeoning player. This surprised the pre-teen, and made quite an impression upon him, seeing that a sports celebrity took the time to engage him in talking about life. At the speech, the runner-up praised the winner by showing his respect for him, due to his good off-court demeanor in years past.

       Many years ago, I worked with a sweet young woman at my clerical job. She was very nice, but was given over to excessive drinking and partying. I spoke to her occasionally about her need to surrender her sinful life to her heavenly Father, who could change her from the inside out. I then went about, living a righteous witness, day after day, working beside her. A few years later, she left our workplace to become a hair stylist. I would occasionally visit her business to get my hair cut, and continue my small faithful witness to her. I eventually lost contact with her, as she moved on again. Some time after that, I randomly ran in to her; she told me that she had become a Christian, and was learning to follow Jesus. She remembered aloud my faithful witness to her.

       Both of these stories show the importance of faithful living, keeping in mind that a change in someone's life often does not come at once, but after planting and watering seeds. God is then able to make new life sprout, due to all working together. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8)