home > Pastor’s Desk > 2024 > March 15th > From Little Things

The first time I heard the song “From Little Things, Big Things Grow” was in early 2008. I was trying to get my head around superannuation funds. I never knew of its writers – Paul Kelly and Carmody. Neither did I know it was originally a protest song. In my opinion, the original lyrics and melody bears no semblance to what we may consider protest today. Many will agree with me that it is now synonymous with Industry Super Funds. But its principles remain true in nearly every aspect of life.

A particular plant with broad perforated leaves captures my attention and gets me thinking about life every time I look at it. The “every time” here translate to everyday because, this indoor plant is stationed at the window, close to our dining table. I tried to google its name;  Monstera comes close to how this plant looks. I have watched this plant for nearly a year, paying attention to the changes happening to it. At first, I was puzzled and wondered why my wife would buy such a potted plant. It was a single leaf jotting out of the soil, supported by a wooden stake. The closest I came to expressing my feeling was asking her where she got it from? Besides this, I kept my thought to myself. I did not question her wisdom. After months of tending, a sprout appeared away from the existing leaf. This grew quickly and one by one, other leaves emerged sequentially from the ‘new plant’. It’s now a thriving bush.
What we see and know were all spoken into being by God. When He created man (Adam and Eve), he gave them instructions about actions he wanted them to take.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.
Genesis 1: 27-28.

God commands his people to be fruitful and multiply. This command is manifest in all His creation. We see it around us and in every aspect of life. Consider the advances in science and technology, engineering, agriculture, medicine, creative arts. Clearly the Lord knows and sees the potential in a person’s life, which may not be so obvious to all. The single leaf would not and could not make its potential obvious to someone like me. It’s not the plant’s fault. I was limited and blinded from seeing it.
When David was anointed king, both the prophet about to anoint the future king, and David’s father, Jesse, were carried away by the outward appearances of the older sons. Thankfully, the prophet was in tune with God and able to respond to the Lord’s leading.

Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘are all your sons here?’
1Samuel 16:11

For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
1Samuel 16:7b

 

The young David would go on and do great things and leave a foundation upon which rich and wise King Solomon would thrive. A lineage the LORD chose to use in reaching out to humanity.
Hundreds of years later, the great persecutor of the early church had an encounter that changed his life. He went from being Saul, the accuser and murderer of the followers of Jesus Christ, to “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.”
When Paul tried to associate with other believers in the early stages after his conversion, the church was very skeptical and scared of him.

And all who heard him were amazed and said, “is this not the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priest?”
Acts 9: 21

When it comes to seeing people’s potentials, with regard to walking with the Lord, its probably harder when the individual is a prominent ‘anti-God’ person. Yet, our sovereign God sees beyond what we can appreciate. He can see and bring about the Pauls in Sauls. He has done it so many times in history and continues to do so today.
The original broad leaf of my potted plant looks tired, smaller, and dry at the edges. It seems the water and nutrients in the soil does not mean much to this aging leaf. Some say that getting old is no fun. But the alternative is surely not better. My aging plant reminds me of my own mortality as I grey. It brings to fore, the importance of making the most of the time I have as I journey through life.

It challenges me to know God – the source of my sustenance – more, and hopefully produce fruits in a manner that may seem effortless like the ‘mother leaf’ has done.

I can only imagine the sense of fulfilment my aging leaf has.

Amen.

Elder,

Ali

Let me know what you think below in the comment section and feel free to share this someone who might benefit from this Pastor’s Desk.

5 Comments

  1. David Onu
    David Onu on 2024-03-16 at 9:21 AM

    This well-articulated post nudges us to develop our God-given potential and not overlook the power of taking little initial steps.

    It reminds me of the popular saying, “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”

    Thanks for sharing, Ali.

    Reply
    • YUNANA, EZEKIEL MADAKI
      YUNANA, EZEKIEL MADAKI on 2024-03-17 at 8:44 PM

      “Our Sovereign God Sees Beyond What We Can Appreciated”. May God Almighty Keep Using You In His Vine Yard Through Christ Amen. Well Inspired By This Piece Of Write Up.

      Reply
  2. Blessing Agada
    Blessing Agada on 2024-03-16 at 1:48 PM

    Thank you for the timely reminder of God’s ways. His plans are always good and taking the little steps are all part of his plans.

    Reply
    • Blessed Goje
      Blessed Goje on 2024-03-25 at 6:39 PM

      Some great thoughts.
      Reminds me of, “Don’t despise the days of small beginnings!”

      But the temptation to want to start BIG is all around us. We are often asked to come to a local church and disciple several 100 people in a couple of days!

      But also God wants us to continue to bear fruit into old age.

      It’s so easy to settle down and relax and have a feeling of achievement.

      Some Good thoughts from you Elder Ali. Thanks

      Reply
  3. Francis Achi
    Francis Achi on 2024-03-17 at 3:28 PM

    Thank you so much for this deep insight into God’s word. The essence of our being is for God to reveal Himself to us like he did to David and Saul( Paul) under different circumstances. Just a little step of faith and He shows up to make Himself strong on our behalf. To God be the glory.

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

HOW DID THEY UPSET MALACHI SO MUCH?

by | 2024-07-25 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

Over the past twenty-nine years of pastoring Legana, I have generally preached through biblical books verse-by-verse. These biblical books series have been interspersed with various shorter topical series (which is why it took me eight years to preach all the way through the Book of Jeremiah). As I now commence my last biblical book teaching series, through Malachi, I hope to leave a deposit in your souls about the value and authority of God’s Word and how we need to worshipfully approach it. While we all want to “cut to the chase” and “get to the point” when we approach God’s Word we must do so carefully. This takes time. “Time” is what most people complain they do not have. This is why I am doing so much background work on this often-neglected book so that you can take advantage of my time investment on your behalf. In this series so far, I have introduced the context of this book, discussed who Malachi was, explored where Malachi was, and examined who was Malachi’s immediate audience. I am now considering why Malachi was so profoundly upset and what we can learn from his passionate love for God and His Table.

Read

FINDING JOY IN YOUR CHURCH THROUGH HUMILITY

by | 2024-07-18 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

home > Pastor's Desk > 2024 > July 19th > FINDING JOYIN YOUR CHURCH THROUGH HUMILITY¶ For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body,though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.First Corinthians 12:12 What is a...
Read

YOU CAN DO IT!

by | 2024-07-12 | Pastor's Desk | 0 Comments

Both ‘adulting’ and letting kids really grow up can be too challenging for some! We generally don’t like change and tend to love comfort. Change is difficult. It is uncomfortable. On the other hand ‘comfort’ seems easy and familiar. But think about your life journey thus far. You began life literally being held by your mother. Then nine months or so – everything changed. And it changed because you had grown! In fact, ‘growth’ and ‘change’ are partners! One day you were in a basinet, then in a cradle, then in a cot, then in a bed – and were still not yet four years old! We are not meant to stay the same (although, as we get older staying the same in appearance would have been quite nice!!). You may have heard the saying that “God loves you just as you are, but loves you too much to leave you the way you are.” God knows that change will be rewarding and lead to you having a more fulfilling life. You may not like change, or even want to change – but you’re already an expert at it – and may not even realise it!

Read

THE 10 BIBLICAL PRIORITIES AND PURPOSES FOR A LOCAL CHURCH

by | 2024-07-05 | Pastor's Desk | 3 Comments

Christianity is both a vertical and a horizontal relationship. It is a vertical relationship of the believer with God; and, it is a horizontal relationship of a believer with other believers who are also a part of the body of Christ. This horizontal relationship is transacted within a local context in which God places the believer. Below are the ten priorities and purposes for a local church in which the believer is a vital participant…

Read

KNOWING GOD THROUGH THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

by | 2024-06-28 | Pastor's Desk | 2 Comments

When someone takes up residency in a new home they set about adding their own touch to their home. It might be as simple as a coat of paint or new curtains, but it could also be as major as renovation work like a new kitchen or bathroom. So they leave their imprint on the home. The same should be apparent when the Holy Spirit takes up residency in our lives. There should be a visible imprint of the renovations that have taken place.

Read

PENTECOSTALISM, THE TWO SIDES OF REVIVAL

by | 2024-06-19 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

home > Pastor's Desk > 2024 >June 21st > PENTECOSTALISM, THE SIDES OF REVIVAL Pentecostalism began with a move of God - a revival. This happened on a Jewish Festival called the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1). This was when the Holy Spirit was given and poured...
Read

MY BIGGEST BURDENS

by | 2024-06-14 | Pastor's Desk | 3 Comments

A burden is something that weighs on you. You could be burdened emotionally because a relationship that is weighing on you. You could be burdened psychologically because of the weight of a looming deadline. You could be burdened spiritually because of the weight of guilt you are carrying. You could be burdened physically because of your weight and depleted strength. We all carry burdens. There are seasons in our lives where some burdens a big and you do not feel that you will be able to bear up under the enormous pressure you are under. Those seasons will pass. For those in leadership there is the constant burden of the weight of responsibility that must be carried. (Have you ever noticed what this kind burden bearing does physically to a President or Prime Minister over their term in office?) In the Bible we read that GOD actually gives people burdens so that they become stronger, wealthier, happier, and more productive. These types of burdens always involve caring for others. (Have you ever considered why Jesus was sweating great drops of blood as He was praying just before He went to the Cross via His hours of humiliating pummelling, beating, scourging, hair-pulling, and mockery?) I want to share you with you why I am now carrying an enormous burden that I would consider that biggest burden I have ever had to carry. I do so in the hope that this might help you to bear your burdens with greatest expertise and joy. Yes, joy.

Read

HOW TO DEVELOP YOUR RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

by | 2024-06-06 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

This year we have been laying a foundation for knowing God and then each Sunday building upon it. Throughout June we are focusing on how knowing God enables us to find our joy in Him and consequently to discover that He enables us to find joy in our relationships with others. But sadly, for many people who have vowed to love, serve, and follow Jesus, this has not always been easy to do. This is why the current sub-theme of humility is critically important if someone desires to truly experience joy in each of their various relationships with others. 

Read

KNOWING GOD

by | 2024-05-30 | Pastor's Desk | 1 Comment

In the past few months, we have been hearing in Church and also by reading the Pastor’s Desks that through the Psalms and by the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, we can know God more. The Psalms show God as our Shepherd, God’s character is unchanging, we can be still and know Him, and that He is poetic. The Fruit of the Spirit reminds us that God is faithful, gentle and kind, and that we need to stay close to Him in the same way a baby gets nutrients from its mother through the umbilical cord. Knowing these things, we can become more like God as He helps us outwork His character in our lives. Philippians 3:10 challenged me in this regard some time ago.

Read

RULES RULES AND MORE RULES

by | 2024-05-24 | Pastor's Desk | 3 Comments

What comes to mind when you hear the word Rules? For some, it is a welcome relief to all the chaos surrounding us. Rules can provide comfort, safety, stability, predictability and protection. But for many others, as soon as you hear the word rules, it causes you to sigh loudly, followed by the instant urge to do the opposite. It can cause an immense sense of frustration along with that feeling of being boxed or caged in. Then some rules are plain silly as they make no sense, or there appears to be no apparent reason for why the rule/s exists in the first place. 

Read