Read 1 Kings 18:16-40

“Dynamite comes in small packages.”

Though no one quite knows where this saying comes from, its meaning is clear: just because something may be small, doesn’t mean that it is not of great value or power, like a diamond or a pill of antibiotic.

In this passage, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to prepare an offering and pray for fire from heaven…whosever God answers is truly God. The huge group of prophets of Baal prayed and danced for hours with no response.

Elijah on the other hand kept things short and simple, praying just a 58 word prayer. Instantly, God answered by fire from heaven.

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice… 1 Kings 18:38 NIV

The short prayer from a man of great faith brought about a huge response from God and the people watching that day who declared that the God of Elijah was the one true God.

Maybe you feel small and insignificant in the bigness of this world. Maybe you feel like you could never truly make a difference. The power of one man’s prayer speaks a different truth.

Why do you think people are so impressed with big things and sometimes overlook small things?

If Elijah can defeat hundreds of prophets with short prayer of great faith, what do you think you could do with just a little faith?

Dear God, teach me that sometimes the smallest things make the greatest impact. Help me to commit my little to testify of Your great love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

(This devotion first appeared in the periodical Take 5 Plus.)