“Do not despise the day of small things” Zechariah 4.10
Today’s bible text related to a time when much of God’s people were in exile. All that was visibly hopeful was only small. The prophet has to be real about this – but also called people to resist the temptation to despise what are only small things, to celebrate and attend to the beginning of a needed rebuilding process. The phrase “the day of small things” was used to title a report from the Church Army Research Unit in 2016, depicting fresh expressions of Church as one of the small things which are signs of renewed hope at this time of history, when the church in Britain has been in decline.
The Lightwave Community is a movement of small groups and small fresh expressions of Church. Where popular culture tells people to “Dream Big”, we have discovered the beauty in “dreaming small.” Each small group prays to discern what God is calling them to – and usually it will start small – a cup of tea and a piece of cake, a place for young people to hang out, a place for crafting, an opportunity to receive prayer. We are delighted to see each and every person who comes to faith. These are not massive initiatives but when they come out of love and listening, they can become like a tiny seed growing into a great tree.
Heavenly Father,
You are the God of mustard seeds,
The Maker of small beginnings which make a big difference in your Kingdom.
We thankyou that every act of love, however small, carries eternal significance.
Lord, help us to dream small in our mission. Teach us to cherish the quiet conversations,
the unnoticed kindnesses and everyday acts of obedience which reflect your love.
Guide our steps as we dream small.
May our dreams align with your great vision –
our small groups be part of a great wave of your light and love. Amen