by Olga Tshikovhi

Olga is a follower of Jesus, a member of the community of Stone Hill, South Africa and an intern being discipled through the ministry of ITMI's Charl van Wyk. Olga wrote this to encourage her fellow Stone Hill believers during the Coronavirus.

Conventional wisdom questions; how much can we really accomplish with little? As mere humans, we tend to believe that a lot more can be achieved if we had large financial resources, talented manpower, and innovative ideas.

God can use whatever little we have, when surrendered to Him, to do great things. God is not looking for people with great abilities, but for those who are willing and dedicated to following and obeying Him.

“God doesn’t not call the qualified, he qualifies the called” is a well-known saying, which simply means that; you are enough because God called you.

The mistake we often make is judging ourselves according to world’s standards. The truth is God equips His people; He gives them the ability to do His will. He qualifies them to do His work. And faithful obedience to God always leads to the blessings of God. 

Brothers and sisters; having open hands and an open heart is not just a lesson for the kids. God calls all of us to share with those in need and to live generous lives.

We experience the fullness of life when we happily share what God has given us.

Less fortunate people think there’s nothing they can do to help anybody, they feel they are the ones that need help all the time. Some believe they will be able to help once they have enough. 

The poor become poorer because they wait for volunteers to come do for them that which they can do for themselves. Volunteers do this with good intentions, but it is up to us to meet them halfway and say “Let me help with this” or “We can do this.”

The truth is, it is even easier helping those who are trying to help themselves. We have the capacity to beautify our own environments, there’s so much we can achieve as a community if we practice sharing and helping one another.

• Some are blessed in Math (educationally), use that to help others who are struggling in your community and surroundings.
• Some have extra time in their hands, use that to help anybody who could use an extra hand.
• Some are blessed financially, use that to help those in need.
• Some are blessed in sports (physically), use that to keep children off the streets, build relationships and spread the love.
• Some are entrepreneurs at heart, share your ideas with your leaders or friends. God might just send help your way. 

No one is too poor to share something. The Bible tells us that we are all born with distinct talents and gifts that sets us apart from each other. So when you discover the talents that God has given you, use them to glorify Him.

When shared;

 A little money becomes much when you trust God.

 A little joy becomes much when you trust God. 

A little hope becomes much when you trust God.

A little faith becomes much when you trust God.

A little strength becomes much when you trust God.

Burdens become blessings when you trust God.

Gloom becomes grace when you trust God. And the list goes on.

God is able to use the little things – He used a stick to part the Red Sea; a stone and a sling to remove the giant; a piece of cloth at the Jordan river; a starving widow to speak to Elijah; manna to speak to millions of people.

So your ability, or resources may be small, but God is still God and He can use anything! It is never about the size but the heart of the person.

I was inspired by three young boys from Gwayi river in Zimbabwe to write this.

Three young men who grew up in very painful circumstances, they had possible excuses to stay home with arms folded; instead they came together and started something which they believed would help the community and themselves. And they also decided that some of their profits will be used to support a local ministry.

They didn’t even know how much the profit was going to be but they planned to share it and further God’s Kingdom. (Whether the business worked out or not, it’s beside the point. Everything works according to God’s plans.)

During this trying times with the Coronavirus pandemic, I learned that we are all capable of something, especially when our backs are against the wall.

My sister and I and a few others in the community found ourselves running a soup kitchen. With others cooking, others cleaning and some dishing up etc. I believe that every community can do this and so much more.

When the community join hands, so much can be achieved. It is not an easy thing to do, but it is possible. Especially with the help that God sends our way.

I believe that we shape tomorrow’s world by what we teach our children today. A community of faith has the responsibility to nurture the talent of the younger generation. 

Christians sometimes argue that they are not the right people to serve God in stewardship, because they are weak financially, or academically. God, however, still calls and equips them in miraculous ways.

The people that have served God successfully are not the people that had resources in abundance; they were people who served God with their faithfulness.

Usually people want God to send someone else. Yet everybody is gifted with resources such as hands, minds, land, rain, rivers and streams. 

God isn’t concerned about which part of the world or town you’re from. Surrender to Him and ask Him to use all that you are and posses, no matter how small, for His glory!