Christian testimonies frequently include the phrase “we had no idea how it was going to happen.” God calls us to step out in faith, often when things look impossible. For some, it may be a mission trip. They sign up to go, but explain later, “We knew we did not have the money, but God said, ‘Go,’ so we went,” and somehow the money was provided. Or a church needs a new building. The people realize they lack funding, but they begin making preparations to purchase something, and are amazed to see the way God provides. This can happen in any area: God may call you to do something that looks impossible.
How can God’s people accomplish God-sized tasks? By taking the next small step.
Greatness does not happen in a single, amazing moment. Those who have experienced such moments—the gymnast who scores perfect tens or the pitcher who throws a perfect game—would be the first to tell you that their one amazing achievement was the culmination of decades of smaller moments. Greatness is the result of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of small steps.
When Jesus was crucified, his body was quickly laid in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph and Nicodemus wrapped the body in linen with seventy-five pounds of “myrrh and aloes … in accordance with Jewish burial customs,” John 19:39-40.
Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome then wanted to anoint the body. But there was no time because sunset was approaching which would begin the Sabbath. Work had to stop. The tomb was sealed with a huge stone. The ladies gathered their herbs and waited. All day Saturday, they did nothing. Then on Sunday, they got an early start: “And very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen. And they were saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?’” Mark 16:2-3.
You probably know what follows: they find the stone already rolled away, an angel sitting inside the tomb, and no sign of Jesus. The angel tells them Jesus has risen, and the women leave the tomb shocked and amazed, Mark 16:4-8.
But did you catch the small step of faith? On the way to the tomb, the women turned to each other and asked, “Who will roll away the stone for us?” Mark 16:3. They KNEW the tomb was sealed with a huge stone. Some say the stone may have been tipped or rolled down an incline, so that opening the tomb after it was sealed would have been all the more difficult. These three ladies knew for a fact that the three of them would be unable to move the stone. But they went to the tomb anyway. They collected their spices and went to the tomb to anoint the Messiah. They had no idea how God would work things out. But they took that next small step. They obeyed God. They followed his plan.
What small step can you take today to follow Christ? Is there a mountain in front of you? Don’t look at the mountain. Look at that one next step! God does not call you to read the entire Bible today. Just read that first verse. Read that first chapter. You do not have to win your friend to Christ in a day. But say something encouraging. Invite him to church. Give him hope and grace. Take that single, next step.
God, give us the grace to see small steps, not overwhelming obstacles. Remind us that we only have that next small step in front of us. As long as we keep walking, the mountain will take care of itself.
Household Words: 