It only feels like yesterday we were starting a new school year, now, we sit with only eleven and a half days of the school year left. Trust me, you don’t want the countdown to Christmas just yet.
As I reflected on the dedication assembly this year I was reminded of it theme, that little is much, when God is in it. This theme came from the song by Kittie Suffield written in 1924. Some of which goes like this:
In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do.
Hark! the masters voice is calling,
To the harvest calling you.
Does the place you’re called to labour
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And he’ll not forget his own.
When Suffield was performing in Winchester, Ontario, a wild winter storm caused her to unexpectedly return to New York. However, just a few miles into her journey the snow caused her train to become stuck.
Fred Suffield was a successful young farmer, whose farm was only a few hundred metres from where the train had come to a stop. As soon as Fred heard about the incident, he readied his horses and made his way to the train. Fred brought as many passengers as he could to stay in the safety of his farmhouse. One of which was Kittie Jennett, the soloist Fred has been listening to all week. After the passengers had returned to the train the next morning, Fred found a note that Kittie had left, thanking him for his kindness. That note was the beginning of a romance that lasted a lifetime, as well as a long evangelical ministry that changed countless lives.
Kittie Suffield’s song “Little is Much When God is in It”, encourages us to use all we have for the Lord, even if it seems small. In John 6, Jesus’ disciples needed to feed 5000 people. While the disciples were worrying about how much it was going to cost, a boy offered his 5 small loaves and 2 small fish to help feed the crowd.
I’m sure the disciples hardly took notice of the boys offering. What were 5 loaves and 2 fish going to do to feed 5000 people? However, God was in it. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and started handing them to the people, encouraging them to take as much as they wanted. When everyone was full, the disciples gathered what was left. 12 full baskets, and not a single person was hungry.
Little is much, when God is in it.
While I can only speak for myself, I can confidently say I am nothing special. However, what I am is a child of God. What I am is loved, forgiven, and accepted by God. So, when God is in what I do, my little turns into much.
As I reflect on the year that has been, I am reminded of Gods goodness and faithfulness. There have been many times when I have felt I have only brought a little, but God has turned it into much.
Whether this be a smile, a chat or an invitation, little is much when God is in it.
Use whatever you have for God. Fred opened his house to strangers. The little boy gave up his lunch. Whatever you have, how little it might seem, in God’s hands, there is no limit.
As it says in Psalm 90 verse 17
And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Mrs Sam Mannix / Chaplain
