How Doing Small Things Can Make a Big Impact: Small Acts, Big Waves
At Noel United Methodist Church in Santa Claus, Indiana, Pastor Cory Gieselman preached a message that reminded us how doing small things can make a big impact. He used a short but powerful passage from the Bible—Galatians 6:9-10—to show how everyday acts of kindness, service, and love matter more than we often think.
A Message from the Bible about How Doing Small Things can Make a Big Impact
Galatians 6:9-10 says:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Pastor Cory explained that these verses were written to early Christians who were tired. They had been trying to do the right thing, love others, and share their faith, but it wasn’t easy. They were wondering if their hard work was making any difference.
Feeling Tired and Wondering If It Matters
Have you ever felt like what you’re doing doesn’t matter? Like you’re trying to help others, be kind, or serve at church, but no one notices? That’s exactly what the Galatians were going through. Pastor Cory reminded us that feeling that way doesn’t mean we’re failing. It means we’re human.
Sometimes we feel invisible. We help out, give our time, say a prayer, or send an encouraging message, and nothing seems to change. We start to wonder: Is this even helping?
But that’s when the Bible says, “Don’t give up.” Keep doing good, even if it’s hard. Because in the right time, something good will come from it.
Who Am I in Christ?
Pastor Cory asked us to think about a big question: Who am I in Christ? And who are we as a church? We all have a role to play. Whether you’re greeting people at the door, teaching kids, running slides, or just being kind, it all adds up. You don’t have to be on stage to make a difference.
Even small things like smiling at someone or praying for a friend matter. Pastor Cory reminded us that every little good thing counts in God’s eyes.
You May Not See the Result, But God Does
One of the hardest things is not seeing the results of your efforts. Maybe you’ve prayed for someone for years, and nothing has changed. Maybe you serve faithfully, and no one says thank you.
But just because you don’t see the impact doesn’t mean it’s not there. Pastor Cory told us that God sees every act of love, even the ones that feel too small to matter. Nothing done in love is ever wasted.
A Pebble in the Water
One image that stood out in the sermon was the idea of a pebble dropped into water. Even though it’s tiny, it makes ripples that spread far and wide. Pastor Cory said that our small acts of kindness are like pebbles. We might think they’re no big deal, but God uses them to reach further than we can imagine.
A smile. A short prayer. A kind note. These are pebbles that God turns into waves.
Keep Being Faithful
In today’s world, people often look for fame, likes, and big wins. But Pastor Cory reminded us that the goal for Christians isn’t to be famous—it’s to be faithful.
Being faithful means showing up. It means serving even when you’re tired. It means loving people even when they don’t say thank you. And it means trusting that God is working, even if you can’t see how.
A Few Ways to Make a Big Impact
Here are some small things you can do that might make a big difference:
- Send a kind message – Let someone know you’re thinking about them.
- Pray for someone – Then tell them you did. It might mean the world.
- Do a chore without being asked – Quiet service often says the most.
- Give what you can – Even a little can be powerful when given with love.
- Show up – Be present. Your presence matters more than you know.
It All Adds Up
The Christian life isn’t a quick race. It’s more like a long relay. We each carry the baton for a while. Our job is to run our part faithfully and pass it on.
So when you start to feel like giving up, remember what Paul wrote in Galatians:
Don’t grow tired of doing good. Keep going. Your work is not in vain.
Even when you don’t see the outcome. Even when you feel tired. Even when it seems small.
Your small thing could be someone else’s big breakthrough.
Final Thought
Pastor Cory’s message reminded us of something important: how doing small things can make a big impact. It might not always feel big. It might not look like much. But in God’s hands, our small acts of love, kindness, and faithfulness can grow into something beautiful.
Keep planting seeds. Keep dropping pebbles. Keep doing good.
You’re making a difference—even if you don’t see it yet.