Underestimate: Never Under-Rate What God Can Do

Underestimating – whether it is God's power, the enemy's cunning, or the significance of small actions – robs us of what God intends to accomplish. Nothing offered to Him is insignificant, and nothing small should be ignored.

The Power of Small Beginnings

“Don’t despise the day of small beginnings… a great forest is set on fire by a small spark” (Zech 4:10; Jas 3:5). The longest journey begins with the first step, and progress is made as each step is consistently taken towards the desired goal. Even though it may start small like an insignificant seed, what is nurtured rightly will grow and achieve much – just as the mustard seed, though the smallest of all seeds, grows to become the largest of garden plants (Mt 13:31-32). Do not under-rate the significance of each part contributing to the overall benefit of the whole, whether it is a machine, our body or the church (1 Cor 12:12-30).

Ten of the twelve spies who explored Canaan underestimated what the nation could achieve under God's direction (Num 13:28-33). In contrast David was confident in God's ability; he was not intimidated by the size of the obstacle (1 Sam 17:34-47). Where is our focus centred – on our lack of ability or on God's power?

Some people underestimated Jesus, saying He was only the local carpenter's Son, yet He went around doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil (Mt 13:54-57; Jn 1:46; Acts 10:38). Though He was despised and rejected by men, His death on the cross was no failure but the very purpose for which He came – He ultimately paid the price for the sins of the whole world, purchasing forgiveness and eternal life for all who believe in Him (Isa 53:3; Jn 1:29; 1 Jn 2:2). Timothy was told not to let people misjudge or intimidate him even though he was young, but instead to continue to set a good example, living a humble, God-honouring life, free of pride (1 Tim 4:12). Joseph was discounted and sold by his own brothers, yet God elevated him to save nations (Gen 37–50, esp. 50:20).

We must not underestimate or undervalue the cost of our salvation or the resources made available to us by the cross (1 Pet 1:18-19). Are you utilising those resources to bring about the extension of the Kingdom of God in your life and sphere of influence?

Beware Small Sins and a Subtle Enemy

Never underestimate the deceit of our cunning enemy: although he has been defeated, he isn't dead, and a foothold can quickly become a stronghold (2 Cor 10:4-5; Eph 4:27). He knows our weak areas and where to focus his attack, so, as Satan prowls, we must stay alert, resist him, grow in intimacy with Christ, and watch how we react to the unexpected (Job 1:7; Jas 4:7-8; 1 Pet 5:8).

The evil nature of wrong desires, ungodly attitudes and lust still resides within us. Although we may seem to be in control of the carnal nature it can spring into life through the stimulus of an insignificant comment or action by another, derailing us completely or even destroying our character in a moment if given the slightest chance (1 Cor 10:12). Likewise, don't minimise the potential of minor misdeeds: a seemingly insignificant sin can, if left unchecked, develop into a huge problem that wreaks havoc, just as a single grain of sand in your shoe can make every step painful.

It is important to make right choices even in the little things

Scripture warns how small compromises escalate: Achan's one hidden treasure brought defeat on the entire nation (Josh 7), and Gehazi's greed over a modest reward ended in lifelong leprosy (2 Kgs 5:20-27). “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Gal 5:9).

God Multiplies What Is Surrendered

We need to be realistic in our thinking, neither rating ourselves too highly nor too lowly, but rather understanding that we are ‘vessels’ in whom the Holy Spirit lives and ‘channels’ He flows through to bless others (Zech 4:6; Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 4:7). Humbly endeavour to be the cleanest and most useful instrument you can be for Him to work through.

Do not misjudge the power of love to transform people, or what God can do in and through your life as you love others. If we make ourselves available, He will provide the ability. Allow the calling and ministry He has given you to blossom, being diligent to walk humbly with Him to accomplish what He desires, for He can do a lot with a little if it is surrendered to Him – Jesus fed 5,000 people from a lad's lunch (Jn 6:5-13). Indeed, He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us (Eph 3:20).

Here I am, Lord. I offer myself in your service

Eternity will be the richer for all you have sown into the Kingdom, the sacrifices you make for the Lord, the input into the lives of others (including your children), the words of encouragement given and the tears shed in prayer. Conversely, the snubbing of another, the cutting words of criticism or an unkind act can also do irreparable damage.

God is with us, so we are in the majority and more than conquerors (Rom 8:31,37). Act like it! The world needs to see more expressions of those attempting and accomplishing great things in the name of Jesus, not concerned about their own comfort and dreams but motivated by the love and mandate of God to impact this world with the gospel (Mk 16:15-18; 2 Cor 8:9; Phil 3:7,12-13). Do not disregard the power of a life lived faithfully for Jesus, even in obscurity. We must give an account of all we do, and even giving or withholding a cup of cold water in the Lord's name will not go unrecognised (Mk 9:41; Rom 14:12); God is not unjust – He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him (Heb 6:10).

Never under-rate what He can do with a life fully surrendered to Him

Reflection and Application

Name one talent, opportunity or resource you have dismissed as insignificant, and put it to work for God this week.
Which "harmless" habit needs to be confessed and removed before it hardens into something larger?
Do one quiet act of kindness today for someone who cannot repay you.
List the unseen ways you currently serve, and thank God that He keeps a record of every one.