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Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’tbe faithful in large ones. Luke 16:10a (NLT)

He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. Luke 16:10 (KJV)

Question to Consider:
What has happened to me recently that I now realize was a test from God? What are the greatest matters God has entrusted to me?

Recently, I have been feeling extremely tired and exhausted. Generally, when I’m tired I am easily frustrated and grumpy to be around. Usually I am energetic, positive, and motivated – in other words, I didn’t mind spending 3, 4, or even 5 of my days doing something at church; I didn’t mind driving people around or helping them. But lately, I just haven’t felt like any of it. The breaking point came when a friend of mind consistently called me everyday for two weeks asking me to do some task for her. I got so tired and frustrated by this – I began to feel used and my cheerful goodwill began to dissipate somehow. I just didn’t feel like doing anything. I started missing some of those days at church and I just didn’t understand what had happened to me.

I’ve come to realize that it was a test – God wanted to see if I would keep my commitments and stay faithful no matter how I felt. Honestly, some days I failed the test. But others, when I went to church in spite of my exhaustion or when I helped someone in spite of how I felt, God renewed my strength enough to get the task done. Soon after a peace would come over me that let me know – just keep at it… He wanted to see if I could keep my grumpy temper under wraps even when people asked for way more than their share of my help. He wanted to see if I would lash out at them – tell them to stop calling me – or greet them with a smile when I came to their aid.

I realized that because God had entrusted so much in me – that He expected me to share it with others. Because He has supplied my every need, He expects me to do the same for others. He has entrusted my children to me, and He expects me to set a good example for them.

Important Quotes:
“How you define life determines your destiny. Your perspective will influence how you invest your time, spend your money, use your talents, and value your friendships…You may be basing your life on a faulty metaphor.” (Warren, 41-2)

“The Bible offers three metaphors that teach us God’s view of life: Life is a test, life is a trust, and life is a temporary assignment.” (Warren, 42)

“You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather!” (Warren, 43)

“…nothing is insignificant in your life. Even the smallest incident has significance for your character development.” (Warren, 43)

“The good news is that God wants you to pass the tests of lif, so he never allows the test you face to be greater than the grace he gives you to handle them.” (Warren, 44)

“Our time on earth and our energy, intelligence, opportunities, relationships, and resources are all gifts from God that he has entrusted to our care and management.” (Warren, 44)

Questions for Further Discussion:
Is the way you manage your money preventing God from doing more in your life? Can you be trusted with spiritual riches?

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