When we tell God we will do anything, do we really mean anything? What if He calls us to something we never saw coming? Do we still mean anything then?
I picked up the book excited to see where it would take me. After all, a book with the title Anything, well it has the power to do anything. Having read a bit about the author, Jennie Allen, I had visions of Africa and church plants, selling everything my family owns and hitting the mission field, adopting handfuls of children and building houses.
Will we do anything?
A book that touts the statement, “God we will do anything. Anything.” A book like that has great power and holds big possibilities.
I loved the book. It challenged me. It inspired me. It changed me. But more than anything it scared me.
I wasn’t scared of the big possibilities. I wasn’t scared of a big, dramatic calling. The thing that scared me most was a gentle whisper that echoed in the hallows of my core. What if my anything is small? {{CLICK TO TWEET}}
It bounced off the walls of my heart shaking free fears I didn’t know I had. Sometimes the thing God is calling us to isn’t front page in the eyes of man. But even the smallest two line story is front page to Him.
If I really mean anything, am I willing to do the little things? —> Do We Really Mean Anything? @JennieAllen @MyInkDance Click To Tweet- Am I willing to let go of notions of grandiose paths down dirt roads in Africa or inner-city alleys?
- Could I be faithful in the things that I see as little but He sees in bold headlines?
- Would I take a supporting role instead of the lead?
God doesn’t see His work as small.
He sees obedience and faithfulness on the same scale whether it’s grand gestures or minute details that go unnoticed by the world. For God it’s not the outcome that determines the value, it’s the heart going into it.
So, I’m becoming comfortable with this idea that my anything will look different from someone else. My anything may in fact be very small in the eyes of the world, even in my own eyes.
My days look fairly normal. They haven’t changed all that much since reading the book. I take care of my kids, I try to keep up with the house, I bring an occasional meal to someone who needs it or watch someone’s kids for them. I give the dollar to the homeless veteran by the highway or smile at someone bagging my groceries.
These are my little anythings. They may not yield big results, but it’s never been about the result, it’s about the heart.
Connecting with great writers at the following linkups: Hello Monday, Inspire Me Monday, The Happy Now Blog Linkup, Tell His Story, Recharge Wednesday, InstaEncouragements, Tune In Thursday, Heart Encouragement, Friendship Friday, Grace & Truth, Grace at Home, Anything Goes.
I love your opening question, “Do you really mean ANYTHING?”…just the question has me head swimming. I definitely have to read the book!
It is a big question, isn’t it? I’m so grateful for it though!
It sounds like a fascinating book! I’ve often worried that since I live my life backstage and out of the limelight (and it’s a VERY small stage, at that), that I’m really doing what God wants me to do. This book sounds like it has answers!
It’s all about our faithful obedience, isn’t it?
I love your reflection…It’s right where I want my heart to be. Thanks for sharing, Rebecca.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
So glad you’re here!
Oh yes, Rebecca. We want our anything to be big and flashy and change the world for lots of people. But most often God is calling us to be consistent, obedient, and faithful with the small things he gives us. The everyday and often mundane life we live out one task after task. We need to start thinking of these things as our anything and value them, even if they are unflashy and quiet. Our heart, makes all the difference.
Love this: “Sometimes the thing God is calling us to isn’t front page in the eyes of man. But even the smallest two line story is front page to Him.” Let us be faithful with these two line stories he gives us and increase them to multiply and ripple out past us to positively effect the few God places in our sphere.
Yes! Faithful obedience is what we are all called to, in the big and little things!
“For God it’s not the outcome that determines the value, it’s the heart going into it.” Beautiful. I love your twist on fear of the “anything” being too small. I’m usually scared of it being too big, but you’re right; we also can be afraid that it’ll be too tiny to be noticed. But if God calls us to it, may we be eager and do our best. I’ll have to look for this book myself now! I would have been too scared to read it before reading your post. 🙂
It was an unexpected shift for me, too! Let me know if you read it. I’d love to hear what you think!
Rebecca, wow, what a great perspective. No work is small in God’s eyes. We need to stop categorizing the callings He gives us and carry them out. Your words are a beautiful reminder that all God really wants is for me to complete what He gives me to do. Anything that may be.
Just carry them out! Amen
Oh, Rebecca, I am so humbled and grateful God placed me near you in a linkup. I needed to read this for I so often think my ‘little things’ are just that…too small for God’s purposes. But they are not and I want to be obedient and humble in all I am and do in the Name of my Father. Thank you for drawing me closer to the One Who is in EVERYTHING!
Isn’t He beautiful!
Good questions, my friend–a real challenge to my heart…
Always love connecting with you!
Such an interesting take on this Rebecca. I can relate to both fears – too big and too small.
It’s funny how we can hold both at the same time, isn’t it?
“He sees obedience and faithfulness on the same scale whether it’s grand gestures or minute details that go unnoticed by the world. For God it’s not the outcome that determines the value, it’s the heart going into it. It’s never been about the result, it’s about the heart.” Amen, Rebecca.
Thanks friend!
Anything is a wide open word … filled with expectancy, a bit of fear, wonder, and hope. And a bit more fear …
;-}
You are absolutely right!