Enough: Lent DevotionalsSample

ENOUGH: ELEPHANTS AND MOSQUITOS

“He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field.’” (Matthew 13:31)

I’d never heard a positive word about mosquitos before, but recently I heard a quote that challenged my perceptions: “You describe the elephant by its size, but the mosquito by its impact. Even the smallest thing has an impact.” 

We know the mosquito’s impact is a negative one – at best an inconvenient buzz, at worst magnifying the spread of disease. But what struck me is how we’re often quick to dismiss the contributions we could or do make.

It can feel like any impact we have is small, but even small actions have the potential to make a difference in the lives of others. At Tearfund, we have seen the power of seemingly small things around the world: a new farming technique that doubles a harvest; an act of kindness and inclusion that restores someone’s hope and confidence.

Sometimes, we feel as small as a mosquito, not as big as an elephant, and that’s okay. God calls us to use what we have to make a difference – no matter how small it seems. 

Father, we praise You for the incredible ways that You take our small actions and turn them into lasting change for your glory. Thank You for using us to help build Your kingdom. Please open our eyes to opportunities and ways that we can make a difference. Amen.

Dan Preston, Tearfund