July 22, 2025
- djohnstoncc
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
FAITHFUL IN THE SMALL MOMENTS
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“After that visit I went north into the provinces of Syria and Cilicia. And still the churches in Christ that are in Judea didn’t know me personally. All they knew was that people were saying, ‘The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the very faith he tried to destroy!’ And they praised God because of me.”
Galatians 1:21–24 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
When we read about Saul’s conversion to Paul in Acts, it’s easy to miss how much time really passed between his dramatic encounter with Jesus and his recognized ministry. In just a few pages, we go from persecutor to preacher — but nearly ten years went by before this happened.
As a rising Pharisee, Saul was celebrated for his zeal in stamping out the early church. But when he met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, everything changed. After his conversion, Paul spent three years in Arabia, retreating to be transformed and taught by the Spirit. When he returned, he met briefly with Peter, then went on to Syria and Cilicia — areas far from the spotlight.
For about seven years, Paul worked quietly — making tents for income, sharing the gospel wherever he could, and strengthening believers one conversation at a time. The churches in Judea didn’t even know him by face. All they knew was the rumor: “The one who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy!” And because of that, they praised God — not Paul.
This reveals a powerful truth for us:
Faithful ministry doesn’t require fame, a title, or a stage. God often does His deepest work in us and through us when no one is watching.
There may be seasons when you feel “hidden” or overlooked — when it seems like your gifts aren’t being used the way you hoped. But like Paul, you can trust that God is shaping you in that hidden place. Obscurity isn’t punishment; it’s preparation.
Some of the most meaningful ministry moments don’t happen under bright lights, but in a quiet conversation at a coffee shop, a word of encouragement in the church foyer, or a prayer whispered over a hurting friend. When we are faithful in these “small” moments, God gets the glory — and in time, He opens greater doors.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, help me to be faithful today in every opportunity You give me. Teach me to recognize Your leading in ordinary moments. May my life — seen or unseen — bring glory to You. Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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