VERSE

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” 

ZECHARIAH 4:10 NLT

STORY: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

A young girl was walking along a beach where thousands of starfish had been washed up after a terrible storm. With determination and joy, she walked up and down the shore, picking up one starfish at a time and gently throwing each one back into the ocean. Curious onlookers watched her in amusement. After some time, an old man approached and asked, “Young lady, what are you doing?”

“The sun is up, and the tide is going out,” she replied. “If I don’t help them, these starfish will dry up and die.” 

“But there are miles of beach and thousands of starfish,” the man said. “You can’t possibly make a difference.” 

Discouraged for a moment, the girl paused, staring at the ground. Then she bent down, picked up another starfish, and handed it to the man, smiling gently. “It will make a difference to this one.” 

The old man looked at the starfish in his hand, reflecting on what she had said. He then tossed it into the ocean, smiled back at the girl, and said, “Let’s go help a few more.”

- Adapted from "The Star Thrower" by Loren C. Eiseley 

THOUGHT

With so many people in need and causes to support, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Just like the old man watching from afar, we may feel that our efforts are too small to matter in the face of so much need. But Jesus calls us to love one person at a time, trusting that even the smallest act of kindness can have a ripple effect. When we step out in faith to serve, we reflect God’s love in a way that can transform both others and ourselves. 

This week, start small. You don’t have to change the world, but you can change someone’s world. Let Jesus use your simple acts of love to bring hope, healing, and change—one life at a time.