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Sermon: Lessons from Less by Wade Joye

Ephesians 3:14-21

We have all heard the concept of “less is more” which advocates for simplicity. It can be applied in various areas of our lives such as in fashion, our relationships with others, our communication, and our appearance. There are, however, others who advocate for “go big or go home” which requires more effort from us. I personally struggle with simplicity. I am more of a big dream, big ideas, big plans kinda girl. I always want to do more. I tend to be a perfectionist who puts a lot of effort into everything which often leaves me frustrated because we can never be perfect. I actually envy people who simply do their best and are happy and content. I am drawn to them because they ground me. In fact, I married one of the simplest human beings who has helped to ground me.

My favorite sermon today is “lessons from less” by Wade Joye at elevation church. Listening to this man of God speak revealed to me that the best things I have done or have enjoyed in my life are things that I felt were so simple. I am learning that simplicity is impactful and that God can use simplicity and turn it into more. For instance, a simple yes or no, a prayer, or gesture can win a soul, kindness, an act of service, a phone call, faithfulness, showing up and saying nothing, and being present, can bring more forgiveness, grace, compassion, and more light.

Wade gives three lessons about less

1. You might see less certainty but God wants you to become more confident.
2. You might see less fulfillment, but God wants you to become more faithful.
3. You might see less of your presence, but God wants you to become more purposeful.

Here are some key points that stuck out to me in this sermon and why I chose it as my favorite.

1. Take one step at a time. Wait until your roots go deep down, do not give up easily, and you’ll produce fruit that lasts.
2. Success is achieved when you remain faithful. Paul remained faithful until the end.
3. Faith or certainty in God is a simple decision but it gives us perspective, it roots us in him and produces fruit that lasts. It helps us focus on God who is above our situation.
4. A simple prayer can move mountains.
5. More is not always bigger, it’s deeper.
6. If your season feels simple or less, remember that you are not stuck there, you are sent there.
7. Purpose is portable. Be full of purpose whether things are going bad or well.
8. Do less of the things that do not align with your purpose and more of the things that God has called you to do.

While our vision is limited, God sees more than we can see, he sees the whole picture. God always turns our little into more because he sees the bigger picture, remember the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4: 8-37 and the little boy’s food that fed 1000s of people?

Are you an exhausted mother who feels like you aren’t giving your family the best because of your limitations? Are you a father who feels incompetent because you cannot give the world to your family? Are you a student feeling like you cannot please your parents and have no clue what your future holds? Are you a spiritual leader that feels like you cannot answer all the questions that your congregation has? Are you a new Christian that feels like you do not know how to pray or be a Christian? Are you a Christian who lost her way and is looking for her way back? (remember His grace is sufficient!) God has all of us in his plans. Sometimes, all we can do is our best and believe God has a plan for our lives. Oftentimes, things end up working together for our good.

Growing up, my most memorable moments with my mother who raised us miles away were the little things she did. The times when she called us for just a few minutes, the letters she wrote us, the prayer she wrote in my success card before she left the country, and the acts of kindness and her generosity to others less fortunate than we were (when we had little ourselves) helped me become the person I am today. It wasn’t the big gestures, God used her simple acts to produce fruit in not only her life but in her children’s lives. In a similar way, my husband’s simple nature and kindness have helped heal wounds that no big gesture would have been able to heal.

I hope and pray that this simple message reminds you to breathe and trust God in this season of life you are in. Stop chasing after perfection, it only exists in God! Be content with what God has given you.

With love and prayer,

Resty Kansiime

Here is the link to today’s sermon