How a Small Group Can Make a Big Difference
By Rachael Adams
“The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples” (Deuteronomy 7:7).
I attended my first women’s Bible study when I was a teenager, and because of my age and spiritual immaturity, I felt out of place. I didn’t understand the Christian terms that seemed so familiar to everyone else in attendance, and I listened in bewilderment to what sounded like a foreign language. My lack of comprehension was evidenced by my failure to complete the study—preteen me only completed two lessons.
Years later, a friend invited me to another Bible study. I hadn’t attended a group study since the one I attempted as a preteen. While I still had to look at the table of contents to find each book of the Bible, I finished the study this time. Being older helped, but being surrounded by a community of women who could answer my questions, and with whom I could discuss God’s Word, helped even more.
This small group of women became more than a means to finish a Bible study. They challenged me, held me accountable, and accepted me, flaws and all. This group of women gathered each week, strengthened our respective family units, and launched service projects and other ministries in our community. This group was so meaningful that we didn’t stop after one Bible study—we’ve been meeting now for years. It’s been amazing to watch God grow our group—not just in number, but also in impact. And, it all started with a few women who met consistently for an hour each Wednesday night.
It’s easy to question whether a small group of people can make a big difference, but my experience proves otherwise—and so does the Bible. In fact, God told the Israelites that he didn’t choose them because they were the most numerous group, but rather, because they were the fewest (Deuteronomy 7:7). They were not God’s chosen people because of their merit, but because of his promise to their ancestors. When their forerunners entered Egypt, they were a small family group of seventy people, but, in time, they grew to become a nation with a population as numerous as the stars in the sky or the grains of sand on the seashore (Deuteronomy 10:22).
Gideon’s story is another example of the power of small groups. His clan was the weakest in Manasseh, and he was the least in his family (Judges 6:15). When God asked him to go into battle against the Midianites, Gideon struggled to believe that he and his army could win. But God promised to be with them. As they prepared for battle, God decreased the odds of victory even more, telling Gideon he had too many men. He reduced their soldiers from 32,000 to 300! Remarkably, Gideon’s small army routed thousands of Midianites without a single man drawing a sword. With an army so outnumbered, there could be no doubt the victory was from God.
Just as God used small groups of people in the Old Testament, Jesus used small groups of people in the New Testament. He frequently ministered to thousands, but he always returned to the same small group of twelve disciples. Then, after his death and resurrection, that little group of disciples took his message from their home city of Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the early church emerged from this small group of believers.
What these early believers started, we must continue. As was the case for the Israelites, Gideon’s army, and the disciples, we can’t accomplish anything in our own strength or by our own merit. Only when God is a part of the equation will these little groups increase in number and impact the world. The good news for us is that Jesus promised where two or three come together in his name, he would be with them (Matthew 18:20). Friend, it is not about the size of the group God has given you, rather it is the magnitude of the One within you.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Consider joining a small group through your church. Watch how God uses the group of believers to further his kingdom for his glory.
A prayer:
Lord, give me a group of believers to experience life with. Help me to recognize the value of the people you have already given me. I don’t ever want the group to be exclusive. Lead me to include or be included wherever you want me. Remind me it is your presence in me and within the group that allows us to make any lasting impact. Amen.
Further Reading:
Deuteronomy 7, Deuteronomy 10, Judges 6, Acts 1
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Rawpixel
Author of A Little Goes a Long Way and host of The Love Offering podcast, Rachael Adams, hopes to help women realize their God-given purpose and significance. She and her husband, Bryan, live in Kentucky with their two children, Will and Kate. Her work has been featured on Crosswalk, Proverbs 31, Today Parenting, and YouVersion. Connect with her by visiting rachaelkadams.com, searching @rachaeladamsauthor on social media, and tuning in to The Love Offering podcast every Tuesday on your favorite listening platform.
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
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