Faithful in the ordinary
We all walk through days where everything feels routine. Predictable. A little too familiar. The work in front of us seems small, uncelebrated, and easily overlooked—and it can make us feel that way too. Most days aren’t thrilling or traumatic—they’re simply normal.
For the mother of small children, it can look like cleaning up hundreds of small messes, folding piles of small clothes, reading small books, carrying small toys, and preparing small plates with small portions.
All those “small” things can make you feel small, day after day.
For others, it looks different:
A caretaker tending to someone sick or aging—helping them up, washing them, giving medications, changing clothes and beds, shifting positions, hearing occasional pleasantries but more often complaints, and rarely gratitude.
An employee alone in a cubicle or at a home office—faithfully pushing through necessary work so someone else can take the credit. Essential, but unseen. Needed, but rarely affirmed.
These seasons of obscurity wear on the soul. But they do not last forever. And they are never wasted.
“‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’
Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” John 6:9-11 (NIV)
What seemed insignificant became miraculous—not because of its size, but because of whose hands it rested in.
God sees you in the quiet, hidden places where no one else looks. Hagar, in one of her most invisible and desperate moments, discovered this truth.
“She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
He sees your effort. He hears your sighs and whispered prayers. He knows your heart far more than He notices your activity.
Our culture celebrates productivity and platform. God celebrates humility and faithfulness.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
Your unseen service is seen by Him.
Your quiet faithfulness matters in the Kingdom.
Ask Him to shift your perspective—to help you show up in Jesus’ name with thanksgiving and joy, seeing your tasks (and the people connected to them) as ways to honor and glorify Him.
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” Matthew 25:23 (NIV)
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Luke 16:10 (NIV)
Remain faithful, even here. Even now. God is forming something in you that cannot be shaped in any other season.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)
How do we influence our perspective?
Rejoice in HOPE
Persevere in TRIBULATION
Be devoted to PRAYER
