FOR WANT OF A NAIL
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
(https://allnurseryrhymes.com/for-want-of-a-nail/)
This ancient poem dates back to the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, when King Richard III was slain. But its message is timeless: never underestimate the power of small things. A chain of events, beginning with the loss of a horseshoe nail, ended with the collapse of a monarchy. How many women wept over the loss of husbands and sons, because of that horseshoe nail?
The Bible overflows with stories of horseshoe nails—events with insignificant beginnings but monumental results. Stories of men and women through whom God worked because they obeyed his call, even in small things. Moses obeyed a burning bush, and delivered God’s people. David, a shepherd boy, killed a giant with a sling and a stone. Esther, a Jewish orphan girl, saved her people from extermination. Twelve men told the story of a resurrected carpenter, and billions still experience salvation. History turns on small choices we make.
Helen Keller was both blind and deaf, and inspired billions to achieve more in their lives. But the name Helen Keller would have been lost to history had it not been for her teacher, Anne Sullivan. But as a child, “Little Annie” Sullivan was locked up as hopelessly insane, until an elderly nurse lovingly cared for Anne, and she recovered. Without Anne Sullivan, there would have been no Helen Keller. But without this anonymous nurse, there would have been no Anne Sullivan.
What about you? Maybe you’re a mom, weary of chasing children around your home, or perhaps you work as a volunteer in Sunday school; you serve food to the homeless, or mentor a new believer. At times we all wonder, “Am I really making a difference?” Yes! You’re a horseshoe nail, fulfilling a vital role in God’s kingdom. You’ll probably never know how much you impact others’ lives.
Never underestimate the importance of the little things you do. If you feel a prompting from the Lord, listen and obey. You might be the horseshoe nail that saves a monarchy … or at least one person.
Principle: Never underestimate the importance of the little things you do n God’s kingdom.
Ponder:
In what arenas of life do you feel unimportant and unappreciated?
How does seeing yourself as a horseshoe nail make a difference?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study the book of Esther.
Lord Jesus, help me to unselfishly serve in your kingdom as a “horseshoe nail.”
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