Teaching kids to swim starts with a straightforward lesson – they have to be taught to put their face in the water. That primary step will open the door to learning the way to swim. Unless the kid experts that one little talent, swimming remains out of reach, and some future pleasure is sacrificed.

Rodney Howard Browne explains that obeying God always starts with a small step, one that may infrequently seem trivial or not related to the task to hand. Yet it is where God wants us to start. Jesus had been addressing the crowds when He asked to get into Peter’s ship.

This did not appear like a request that would open the door to ministry or perhaps great blessing. But it was actually the place where Peter was to start. Our saying yes to God in the tiny things is an essential step to His best blessings. Folks will also derive benefit from our obedience. Rodney Howard Browne points out that when Simon Peter consented to Jesus’ request, the result was 2 boatloads of fish, more than needed for all those with him.

Obedience to God may need us to do some things that appear irrational. A carpenter asked pro fishermen to stop fishing and take Him on board. Those with Peter could have queried why he postponed the work to accommodate Jesus. Other people may query us as to whether the problem is vital or reasonable. We may wonder too. Rodney Howard Browne teaches that obedience in the tiniest of matters can open the door to God-ordained opportunities and lead to blessings for us and others.