Little Effort, More Increase

LITTLE EFFORT, MORE INCREASE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Zechariah 4:10

Supporting Texts: Matthew 13:31-32, John 6:9-13, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Psalm 127:1-2, 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

INTRODUCTION:

God is a God of multiplication. He often takes what appears to be little, insignificant, or small in the eyes of men and uses it to bring about tremendous results. In a world that constantly glorifies hustle, human effort, and large-scale operations, God reminds us through His Word that divine increase is not always tied to great effort, but to His favour, grace, and power.

The principle of "little effort, more increase" shows up repeatedly in Scripture. Whether it was a small cloud bringing a mighty rain, a tiny seed growing into a massive tree, or five loaves feeding thousands—God delights in using the little we offer Him to produce an overflow. This message encourages believers to stop despising small beginnings, to obey God even in little things, and to trust Him to bring increase beyond their effort.

Let us examine how God brings great increase from seemingly little effort, and how we can position ourselves to experience this supernatural multiplication.

1. GOD DOES NOT DESPISE SMALL BEGINNINGS

Even when your efforts appear small and insignificant, God sees them as seeds of greatness.

a) Every great move of God often begins with something small (Zechariah 4:10): The rebuilding of the temple started with a simple foundation, yet it was celebrated because God saw the end from the beginning.

b) Small seeds carry divine potential (Matthew 13:31-32): A mustard seed, though tiny, grows into a large tree. Likewise, your small act of obedience can produce tremendous fruit.

c) God values faithfulness in the little (Luke 16:10): When you are faithful with the little God has entrusted to you, He prepares you for more.

d) It is not the size of your beginning but the presence of God in it that guarantees growth (Job 8:7): Though your beginning may be small, your latter end shall greatly increase.

Biblical Example: Gideon started with 300 men against a vast army, yet God gave him victory (Judges 7:7).

2. GOD MULTIPLIES WHAT IS SURRENDERED TO HIM

When you offer your small efforts to God, He blesses and multiplies them.

a) Divine increase begins with surrender (John 6:9): A boy's small lunch of five loaves and two fish became enough to feed thousands when placed in Jesus’ hands.

b) God’s multiplication is not limited by human logic (2 Kings 4:1-7): The widow’s small jar of oil increased as she obeyed and followed prophetic instruction.

c) Miracles happen when we act in faith, not based on quantity (Hebrews 11:6): God is not moved by how much we have, but by our willingness to trust Him.

d) Surrender unlocks supernatural abundance (Proverbs 3:9-10): Honouring God with our substance—even if little—leads to overflowing blessings.

Biblical Example: Elijah and the widow of Zarephath saw miraculous provision from a handful of flour and a little oil (1 Kings 17:10-16).

3. DIVINE INCREASE IS A PRODUCT OF GOD’S GRACE, NOT HUMAN STRENGTH

God’s grace is what turns your little effort into abundant results.

a) Without God, labour can be wasted (Psalm 127:1-2): Unless the Lord builds the house, your efforts are in vain.

b) Grace causes you to achieve more with less (1 Corinthians 15:10): Paul worked hard, but acknowledged that it was the grace of God that made the difference.

c) Human strength has limitations, but grace is limitless (2 Corinthians 12:9): God's strength is made perfect in your weakness.

d) Grace brings divine connections and favour (Esther 2:17): Esther found favour with the king, not because of effort, but because of divine grace.

Biblical Example: Peter toiled all night and caught nothing, but one instruction from Jesus brought in a net-breaking harvest (Luke 5:4-7).

4. CONSISTENCY IN SMALL THINGS OPENS THE DOOR TO GREATER THINGS

Do not despise daily obedience and diligence—they are pathways to divine increase.

a) Daily sowing leads to continuous harvest (Ecclesiastes 11:6): Keep sowing morning and evening; you never know which seed will produce the breakthrough.

b) Small, faithful acts are rewarded over time (Galatians 6:9): Do not be weary in doing good—your reward is on the way.

c) Obedience in ordinary things prepares you for extraordinary doors (Deuteronomy 28:1-2): God rewards consistent obedience with increase and elevation.

d) God honours the process, not just the outcome (James 1:4): Let patience complete its work, so you may lack nothing.

Biblical Example: David’s faithfulness as a shepherd qualified him to become king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13).

5. DIVINE INCREASE GLORIFIES GOD, NOT MAN

When God increases you beyond your effort, He alone receives the glory.

a) God desires to showcase His power through your life (Isaiah 60:22): A little one shall become a thousand because the Lord will hasten it in its time.