As we enter 2025, January’s reflections will focus on preparations for a future that is already and not yet that Christmas began, where Christ’s Kingdom is moving toward His return. This week reminds us to persevere in trusting God even when circumstances dictate otherwise:

IN WORD – God’s greatest works often start very small. A nation from a childless couple, a Kingdom from a mustard seed, a global rescue mission from a baby in a manger—all are case studies in His tendency to obscure His works from all eyes except those of faith. Fully capable of making a scene and dazzling all observers, He prefers to begin almost imperceptibly. Mighty oaks grow from small acorns because that’s how God has designed His world.
So it should be no surprise when a covenant given to one man results in a worldwide blessing that extends to all peoples—every single ethnic/linguistic/social group on the planet. It has taken a long time to get to them; the mission is still in progress. But while missionaries and sending agencies and supporters are eagerly strategizing for the evangelization of the world, the covenant continues to bless those of us who have been impacted by Abraham’s seed and the Messiah who came from it. The far-reaching blessing never ends. This big-things-from-small-beginnings dynamic also applies to you personally.
It should be no surprise if your calling begins with a whisper and a seemingly minor act of faith, or if your God-given dreams are fulfilled after simmering for years, unnoticed by anyone else. With God, you can’t measure the greatness of the end by the size of the beginning. “Little” very often ends up “huge.”
IN DEED – Expect great things from God, even when your opportunities seem small or insignificant. In fact, expect them especially when your opportunities seem small and insignificant because this is His modus operandi. Participate in His worldwide mission to whatever extent you can, knowing that the same dynamics of fulfillment apply to your life at an individual level. Never despise the Kingdom of “small things.” It is leading to enormous impact. “Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.” – George Müller (in “Heaven on Earth” by Chris Tiegreen)

It’s easy to be driven by what we see and make decisions based on the circumstances around us. But we should know that circumstances and human action do not define the course of human history. God alone does, whether in the world or whether in your personal life.
Do you need to be reminded of God’s steady outworking of His plans? Take time to reflect on Luke 13 – 18 this week, meditating on a chapter each day. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see what the true nature of reality is, not just the superficial circumstances that your eyes see. Then ask the Holy Spirit for help to live rightly aligned to God’s unfolding will. You will find yourself at peace and blessed daily as you walk firmly in God’s Presence. Have a blessed week! – in Singapore, Pastor Sam