Hosanna Restoration Church

I think it is safe to say that we all have experienced some “if only” times in our lives. You know, those times when if we had only paid closer attention, or done some little thing differently things would not be the way they are. There are some of these times that result in huge problems and others that seem not so big.

However, sometimes what seems like such a small thing can ultimately make all the difference in the world. If a football player misses a block it can result in big loss. That may seem unimportant at the time, but in the end, that one small thing can loom large. That is why it is important to finish even the smallest thing. A person in a race can let up for a fraction of a second and end up losing. After it is over they cannot stop thinking of the one little thing. That little thing seems to wipe out all the large things that got them into that big race in the first place.

How about those times when a parent gives in to a child even when they just did not feel right about something and in the end they are agonizing over that small thing which turned into a large thing. Then there are times when we have a close call and realize just how important it is to pay attention to the little things. I once pulled out from a stop sign after looking both ways but not looking again in the first direction, only to find myself nearly hitting a car. Wow, just that fraction of a second could have resulted in a terrible accident. I concentrate on watching more carefully now. What once seemed like a small thing has now moved up in my list of things to do.

The bottom line on this is that it is always important to do the right thing no matter how small it may seem. The Bible tells us that if we know what is right and do not do it, it is sin. It is best if we call things what they are! It is when we start softening the truth that we begin to move in the direction of the lie. Remember there are no grey areas with God.

This scripture in Hebrews reveals the huge consequences of failing in such a small thing. The people simply did not mix what God said with faith in the word or confidence in the men who heard the word. Even though Joshua and Caleb had proven to be great leaders and warriors, the people chose to listen to doubts of the other ten spies. Even though God had proven Himself powerful on their behalf on many occasions and in many ways, they failed to trust Him.

If you really think about it, trusting God should be the easiest thing we ever do. It is in fact a small thing. Jesus said that all we need to do is believe. Somehow or another the enemy has convinced everyone that believing is a huge and very difficult thing to do. Let me ask you something. When we hold out our arms to a child and they jump to us, do we stand around amazed that they trusted us? The truth is that we would be more amazed if they did not jump. We would wonder why they did not trust us. The same is true for God.

It really is a little thing to trust God, but the good or bad results are huge. Trust and faith in God will also help us to do the other little right things that keep us from the “if only” things of life and in the rest of God. God, please make me aware of the littlest things that I neglect so that I can enjoy your rest in all things.