Small Stuff
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The first attempt to dig the Panama Canal across the Isthmus of Panama was made by a French company. Thousands of men and tons of machinery tackled the remote mountains and thick jungles. However, after millions of dollars had been spent, the project was abandoned, not because of the mountains but because of the mosquitoes. Yellow fever from the mosquitoes killed thousands. It wasn't until American doctors found ways of protecting people against mosquitoes that the project was resumed, this time by Americans. When the mosquitoes were taken care of, the mountains soon succumbed. There is a huge difference between the size of mountains and mosquitoes. Yet, it was the mosquitoes, not the mountains, that kept the canal project from succeeding. Many more died from the bite of little mosquitoes than from the many dangers lurking in the mountains.What is keeping you from victory? It’s probably not something very big. Our barriers to success are rarely large enough to be noticed by others. Your greatest struggle is probably something that few, if any, are aware of. It is likely a small, but significant foe. And yet, if these little things aren't overcome big victories will never be enjoyed.While we tend to be on guard against the “big things,” we also tend to ignore the areas that are the most destructive. Few of us are struggling with adultery, grand theft, or murderous crimes. But how many of us are daily doing battle with spiritual mosquitoes – gossiping, griping, angry outbursts, snap judgments, or impure thoughts? It is only when we begin to enjoy victory in these little areas that we will know what it is to make meaningful spiritual progress.Perhaps this is why Jesus spent so much time addressing the “little things” of the heart. His followers: Peter, John, Paul and James seemed to get the message as well, and they passed it on. So much of the New Testament addresses the battle we need to wage over the little enemies, which quietly and quickly poke through our spiritual skin. Those little attitudes of pessimism or ingratitude can quickly destroy an outlook. And once the festering begins, these invaders spread to others. Let’s be on guard!Jesus said, “He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much” (Luke 16:10).So what little enemy have you been battling lately? Victory is available if you are willing to look to God and and be obedient to His Word.