This story is a parable originating from South America. It encourages us how a small effort can be turned into a big impact in the hands of the Lord!!
In the heart of an ancient forest a great fire broke out, gnashing its fiery teeth through the once tranquil grove.
Animals of all walks, great and small, found themselves in impending danger and fled from their homes to the edge of the forest.
There they froze in fear as they watched as the flames engulfed their once beautiful sanctuary. Filled with despair & anguish, they resigned that there was nothing they could do to stop the destruction of their home. With great sadness, they cried out and wallowed in pity.
Amidst the chaos, a humble hummingbird with its tiny in stature was seen flying towards a body of water and filling it’s beak with as much as it could carry.
Whilst the animals where overwhelmed with self-pity, this little hummingbird flew towards the monstrous blaze in stark defiance and scattered as much water as it could in an effort to quell the raging fire.
Once, twice, thrice — the bird persisted. Each drop a tiny herald of hope in the face of a ravenous destruction.
Back and forth, the hummingbird etched its flight of fortitude across the smoke-choked skies, a silent vow repeated with every foray into the maw of annihilation.
Again and again the hummingbird persisted, although exhaustion was starting to take it’s toll.
The other animals watched in disbelief from the forest’s edge. Finding their voices once again, they cried out to the little bird “What are you doing?”.
Amidst its relentless labor, the hummingbird offered a reply that would echo in the hearts of the animals through the forest, “I am doing what I can.”
And thus, the story wove itself into the tale of the forest — a testament not to the victory of quenching the fire, but to the spirit of resistance, to the power of doing one’s part, however small, in the face of a seemingly overwhelming challenge.
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”
– Colossians 3:17
The Power of Individual Action – Inspired by God
How often do we find ourselves standing at the edge of life’s challenges, feeling small and powerless in the face of seemingly insurmountable problems? The weight of fear and the enormity of the task ahead can be paralyzing, causing us to doubt whether our efforts will make any difference at all. In these moments, it’s crucial to remember that God’s perspective often differs from the world’s.
What we consider small and insignificant may hold immeasurable value in God’s eyes. The world tells us to strive for prominence, to be first, to go, go, go, and to always pursue bigger and better. However God’s wisdom often turns these notions on their head. He encourages us to embrace humility, to be still and know that He is God, and to recognize the importance of the seemingly small.
When faced with adversity, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and succumb to self-pity. However, the hummingbird’s example reminds us that dwelling in despair accomplishes nothing. Instead as God’s chosen we are called to action, to do what we can with the resources and abilities we have been given.
The Widow’s Offering
This story also brings to mind a similar parable in the bible. In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus shares a profound lesson about the significance of small offerings.
A widow with only two small coins to her name put all that she had into the donation box in the temple. Whilst others gave many times more than what she had contributed, it would seem like her contribution was not significant in the eyes of man.
Yet Jesus commended her, stating that she had given more than all the rest. This teaches us that in God’s economy, faithfulness in small things is highly esteemed. It’s not the size of our resources, but the sincerity and sacrifice with which we give that matters.
The hummingbird’s unwavering determination in the face of exhaustion and danger is a powerful reminder of the resilience that lies within each of us. When life’s challenges seem insurmountable, we can draw strength from the knowledge that, like the hummingbird, we have the capacity to persevere, to keep going even when the odds are against us.
The story of the hummingbird vividly illustrates the principle of doing what we can, no matter how small. It serves as a poignant reminder that every word, every prayer, every act of kindness, every hug, and even every penny we offer in service to the Lord Jesus matters. In the hands of our infinitely powerful God, small becomes significant, and seemingly insignificant efforts can lead to profound impact.
May we be encouraged to step forward, unafraid of our perceived smallness. Knowing that in God’s hands, even small acts of love and service can have a monumental impact on the world around us. May we do what we can, trusting that our BIG God will use our offerings to bring about His purposes.
