The Flame Within

“Big Fish, Small Fish… Same God”

Yesterday at the beach, I watched two men fishing side by side. One reeled in several large fish—each about five pounds. The other managed only two tiny fish, no bigger than minnows. I found myself feeling bad for the man who caught only two tiny fish in the sea, while watching the other man excitedly pull in nice large fish.

It reminded me of how life feels sometimes. I’ve had those same thoughts comparing myself to others who have larger homes, nicer cars, boats, or even different kinds of success than mine. Some people seem to be hauling in “big blessings”—abundance, answered prayers, open doors. Others appear to catch only “small blessings”—things that seem insignificant compared to what others are experiencing. This is a thought process I’ve had to pray through often. In therapy, we call it the “comparison trap.”

In the midst of my thinking and praying through this simple fishing scene—God whispered to my heart: both men caught fish. Both were provided for. And in the same way, every blessing—big or small—comes from the same good Father.

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” And again in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Scripture also tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). Whether it feels like a 5-pound blessing or a minnow-sized one, it is still evidence of His care. Sometimes God uses the small blessings to grow our gratitude and faithfulness. Other times He pours out abundance to remind us of His overflowing generosity.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see every blessing in my life—big or small—as a gift from You. Teach me to be faithful with little and to give thanks in all things. Help me to seek first Your kingdom, trusting that You will provide what I truly need. Open my eyes to Your provision today, and let me rest in the truth that You are always good. Amen.

Blessings, Crystal