Little Do You Know
“But Paul’s efforts with the Jews weren’t a total loss, for Crispus, the meeting place president, put his trust in the Master. His entire family believed with him.” Acts 18:8 (MSG)
Paul’s ministry in Corinth wasn’t easy. He spent his days reasoning in the synagogue, sharing the good news about Jesus. But instead of open arms, he was met with closed hearts, rejection, and hostility. Eventually, Acts tells us, Paul shook the dust off his clothes and moved on. To him, it may have felt like failure, like everything he had invested there was wasted.
But little did he know, God was already working. Crispus, the synagogue leader, had been listening. In a surprising turn, this respected man placed his trust in Jesus, and his entire family followed. What looked like a total loss turned into a breakthrough moment. What feels like a total loss to you may be the beginning of a breakthrough to God. One man’s faith became the spark for many others in Corinth to believe and be baptized. One life changed can lead to an entire family transformed.
This reminds me of the process of launching my book Snapshots. There were days when I wondered if the effort was even worth it, late nights writing, planning, and pouring into something that felt like it might not reach anyone. Then came release day, and I wrestled with questions like, Will people actually read this? Will it matter? But then the messages started coming in, stories of how one devotional encouraged someone, how a small insight lifted someone’s faith. Your faithfulness today may become someone else’s testimony tomorrow. What felt like “just one” moment of impact reminded me that nothing done in obedience to God is ever wasted.
Little do you know, God is at work behind the scenes, multiplying what feels small and turning it into more than you imagined.
Make it Personal:
Where have you felt like your efforts ended in failure?
Could it be that God is working in ways you cannot see yet?
Who might be your “Crispus,” the one who seems like just one, but could become the gateway to many?
As you think about those questions, bring your heart to God. He knows the doubts you carry and the unseen work He is already doing. Let this be your prayer today:
Lord, thank You that no effort for You is ever wasted. Remind me that even when I feel like giving up, You are still working behind the scenes. Give me courage to keep planting seeds, even when I do not see results, trusting You with the harvest. Amen.
