Faithful in the Little Things
Read Acts 6:1-10
Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed amazing miracles and signs among the people. - Acts 6:8
When we’re first introduced to Stephen, he’s not standing in a pulpit or performing sings and wonders - he’s serving food. In Acts 6, the early church faced a practical problem: some widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles confirmed faithful men to handle this task, and Stephen was among them.
It wasn’t glamorous. It wasn’t high-profile. But it was an important work, and Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit even while waiting tables.
What followed? God entrusted him with more. Stephen began to speak with power and wisdom. He became the first martyr of the church. And when he stood trial before the religious leaders, the Bible says his face shone “like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). Just like Moses coming down from the mountain, Stephen reflected the glory of the Go he walked so closely with - not because of a platform, but because of his faithfulness.
God sees what others don’t. Stephen wasn’t trying to be noticed. He was simply faithful where he was placed, and God used him in mighty ways.
The “little” things aren’t little to God. The food ministry in Acts 6 was crucial to the unity of the church. Often times the most unseen acts of service are the most spiritually significant.
Contentment breeds joy. Stephen didn’t seem frustrated that he wasn’t an apostle. He wasn’t working an angle for a better seat at the table. He served with joy and fullness because his eye were on Jesus.
Maybe you’re cleaning the church, part of the set-up and break-down, serving in kids church, or helping someone behind the scenes. It might not feel like much. But God sees. And He often choose the faithful, unseen servant to do the unexpected.
Stay faithful where God has place you. Be filled with the Spirit in the ordinary. That’s where joy is found - and that’s where God’s glory shines the brightest.
Heavenly Father, help me to be faithful in what You’ve given me today. Guard my heart from comparison, and teach me to serve with joy - whether anyone notices or not. Fill me with Your Spirit, so that even in the simple things, I reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
