Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.” (Mark 4:30-32 NJV)
As I was thinking and praying about one of the presentations for next week’s women’s retreat, one session in particular began to take shape in my heart—a message about abiding in God. The image I plan to use is that of a well—a deep well of the Spirit within us, from which we draw the spiritual water we need for our daily lives.
In the natural world, wells come in many forms. They can be filled with sweet or bitter water. They might be found in dry, temperate, or rainy climates. Some are hand-dug; others are machine-built. They always have sides, often a cover, and some kind of mechanism to draw water to the surface. Their depth and volume can vary widely.
And then I felt it—that gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit:
“Small wells still water.”
No matter how deep or wide a well is, or where it’s located, the water it holds can still bring life to the people, animals, and plants around it. Its water is valuable—sometimes essential—for those it refreshes.
Each of us is like a well. We “water” those around us through our words, our actions, and the posture of our hearts. There are seasons when we might feel too small, too insignificant, or too limited to make a difference. But God uses us anyway.
In a former church, there was a sweet woman I’ll call “Mildred.” She was at least 80 years old, lived in a senior apartment complex, and couldn’t physically do much of what she used to. But she could bake—and she made the most delicious chocolate chip cookies. She would bake them and give them away to bless others. From the outside, it might not have seemed like much influence. But I was personally blessed by her love, and so were my boys. That small act made a lasting impact.
Our influence may shift in different stages of life, but that “water” we offer still matters. Don’t let thoughts like “I’m too old, too young, too busy, too ordinary” convince you otherwise. Do what you can, and trust that God will use it. Just like a tiny mustard seed can grow into a great bush, or a small spark can ignite a large fire, your small offering can become something much greater in God’s hands.
Small wells still water.
Living Water,
Help us be people who abide deeply in You—so deeply that the water of Your Spirit overflows from within us. Fill us to overflowing, so we can be a blessing to others. When we feel like our efforts don’t matter, remind us of the mustard seed, the small spark, and the small well. Help us remain faithful in the small things, trusting that You will grow them into something more. And let us always remember that it is in You we live, and move, and have our being. In the strong name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior—AMEN.
The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and of all the seeds [planted in the region] it is the smallest, but when it has grown it is the largest of the garden herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air find shelter in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31-32 AMP)
If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. (Luke 16:10 NLV)
For in him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28 NIV)