Have you ever felt like your efforts for God are too small to matter?
Maybe you’ve looked at someone else’s ministry, success, or resources and thought, “What I do doesn’t compare.” Or perhaps you’ve poured yourself into something for the Lord—only to see little visible fruit—and began to wonder, Was it worth it?
You’re not alone. In Haggai 2, we find the people of God in a very similar place. They were doing God’s work, but discouragement had crept in. The task felt overwhelming, their efforts seemed small, and comparisons to the past made it worse. But into that discouragement, God speaks a powerful truth:
“Nothing is small if it’s done for God.”
When the Work Feels Small
In chapter 1 of Haggai, the people had repented and restarted construction on the temple after years of spiritual neglect. But in chapter 2—just a month in—they were already discouraged.
Why?
- Progress was slow. They were clearing away 60 years of rubble.
- Life was busy. Religious festivals filled the calendar.
- Comparisons made it worse. Some elders remembered Solomon’s magnificent temple, and this new one paled in comparison.
“Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? And how do ye see it now? Is it not in your eyes… as nothing?” (Haggai 2:3)
The past seemed better. The present seemed weak. Their efforts felt insignificant.
Sound familiar?
The Danger of Comparison
One of the biggest threats to joy and faithfulness in God’s work is comparison.
- “Their church is bigger.”
- “They’re more gifted.”
- “I used to do more for God…”
- “What I do now doesn’t seem to matter.”
But comparison blinds us to how God measures success. He doesn’t compare us to others. He asks one thing: faithfulness.
“It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (1 Cor. 4:2)
Solomon’s temple was glorious. But the new one? God had plans for it too—plans that would one day include the very presence of Jesus Christ. The size didn’t matter. The presence of God did.
God’s Encouragement to the Discouraged
To his weary people, God gives three simple but powerful commands:
- Be strong.
- Work.
- Do not fear.
“Be strong… and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts.” (Haggai 2:4)
God doesn’t minimize their discouragement—He meets them in it. And He reminds them of the covenant promises that haven’t changed. The same Spirit that brought them out of Egypt is still with them.
What Makes Something Great?
God gives an incredible promise in verse 9:
“The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former…”
Why?
Because one day Jesus Himself would walk into that temple.
- As an infant, presented by Mary and Joseph.
- At twelve, teaching in the courts.
- As a man, healing the lame and blind.
- Cleansing the temple, teaching the crowds, weeping, and praying.
Solomon’s temple was grand, but Jesus never walked in it. The new temple may have been smaller, but it became the place where God Incarnate stood.
No Work for God Is Ever Wasted
What you do for the Lord—however small it feels—is never wasted.
- That lesson you teach to a handful of children…
- The gospel tract you quietly hand out…
- The prayers you offer when you’re too weak to do anything else…
If it’s done for God, it is great.
We don’t know what will come from our obedience. But God does. And He delights in using humble, faithful servants to accomplish eternal things.
Final Thoughts: Faithfulness Over Fame
Stop comparing your ministry to someone else’s. Stop measuring today by yesterday. And stop believing the lie that says bigger is better.
God doesn’t reward greatness. He rewards faithfulness.
Whether you’re building something new or continuing something old, if Jesus is in it, it’s not small. He measures our work not by size, but by heart.
So keep going. Keep praying. Keep trusting. And one day, may you hear the words:
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
Encouragement for the Week
If you feel like your strength is small or your impact is limited, remember this: God is with you. His Spirit remains in you. And nothing is small when it’s done for Him.
