Blog

Do you remember going to stores like Woolworth’s and visiting the penny candy section? Unfortunately, some of you may not be old enough to recall such places. These shops had row upon row of tubs filled with candy, and each item sold for only a penny. They were paradise for a child, especially if you had a nickel or dime to spend. Sometimes, old-fashioned candy stores pop up with the same bins, but everything costs a lot more than a penny. A penny does not buy much, if anything, these days. Do we even bother to pick one up when we see it on the ground?

A Penny Found

Seeing an almost worthless penny lying on the ground recently made me stop and think about my faith. Then, as I stooped down to pick it up, I thought about God trusting us with the small tasks in life. Yet, in our modern prosperity, do we overlook the menial tasks from God as we wait for the significant, news-worthy assignments? Maybe God wants to see how we respond to the little things before He entrusts us with a higher calling. So let’s dig a little deeper.

I believe God uses everyday events to watch our reactions. For example, do we return our shopping carts to the coral or just leave them for someone else to put away? Or what do we do if we receive too much change from the checkout clerk? Or do we think picking up a penny is beneath us? These examples might appear trivial, but God looks at our hearts to gauge our true motives. 

Trusting Us with the Penny

In the sixteenth chapter of Luke, we find the parable of the Shrewd Manager. Jesus tells the disciples this parable to emphasize the importance of following Christ’s example even in the most minor details of life. Luke 16:10 (AMP); “He who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much; and he who is dishonest in a very little thing is also dishonest in much.” This verse speaks to the heart of the matter. Are we faithful in the very little things?

So, how does picking up a penny help God? For one thing, it shows that we appreciate all the things God gives us, no matter their size or worth. Additionally, we can use the penny to further the kingdom of God. Yes, a penny does not help much, but I save up all found money in a jar along with all my loose change. Then I donate it once it accumulates for a while. 

It Might Start Small

If we want to do big things for God in our life, we first have to show Him we can be trusted with the minor things. We all need to learn to pay attention to the little things in life because if it matters to God, it should also matter to us. In the words of the prophet Zechariah 4:10 (NLT), “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”

Mother Teresa

All it takes to begin is faith as big as a mustard seed. Then, like the mustard seed that starts out very tiny, we can grow our faith into one that can do anything for God. A penny worth of faith can move mountains for God. 

“31 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”  

Matthew 13:31-32 (NIV). 

Prayer

Dearest Lord in Heaven. I yearn to do great things for You and the Kingdom. But so often, I fail at the little task. So please help me be faithful in the small stuff so that I can become faithful in much. I pray to gain a penny worth of faith that grows like the mustard seed into a mighty forest. Thank You for all my blessings. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.