Lessons from the Woodpile

It's amazing how small increments have such huge implications. It's terribly cold out and we were running short on wood, so I was out early this morning splitting some big chunks down to manageable size. It is obvious to someone who splits wood that the thickness of the piece to be busted is of no importance, it's the height (or length) that'll kill you. It's so much easier to get that maul through a little wood instead of a long stretch of wood.

Jesus knew this same concept applied to our walk of faith as well. Take the way He grew His disciples into men of faith. First, they see Him turn water into wine. Then He heals someone, then walks on water, then feeds 5,000 to the finale miracle of raising Lazarus from the dead. Incremental faith.

So many start the year with the intention to "read the Bible through". But somewhere in the middle of Leviticus, reading about cleansing for infectious skin diseases sucks the determination out of them. This is because instead of looking at each book as a special word from the Lord, they look at how many pages remain to the right and get overwhelmed.

Increments. Whether it's reading the Bible or growing in our evangelistic attempts or teaching , or cultivating a life of godliness, think increments - it'll take those big chunks down to a manageable size. Well, back to the wood pile.