It’s amazing to me how the smallest of things can also be the most powerful. More often than not, we associate size with power. This could not be further from the truth. Enter the check mark. Kind of unattractive and simple in design, yet carries with it so much more power than we tend to give it credit for.
When we were kids, a check mark could determine whether or not someone liked us. A little older in age and it let’s us know if we got an answer on a test right or wrong (unless you used Scan-Tron; those things did not like checks). As adults, a check mark can let an employer know our race, gender or veteran status. It’s a mark of both acceptance and approval. The check mark plays multiple roles throughout our lives for various reasons. Yet, I found myself in a situation recently that reiterated to me the power of that little symbol.
The church my family and I attend has a long history of support and service to many other organizations within our community and around the globe. Every year they put together short-term mission trips to a multitude of locations. My wife and I have been drawn to one in particular – Betel in the U.K. This amazing ministry has served that area of the world for many years. They reach out to, and work with, drug addicts, alcoholics & the homeless community. The awesome thing about this organization is that those who run the programs previously went through the program themselves. After they reach a place of freedom from their addictions and graduate, they stay and help run everything. It’s simply amazing!
There was a Betel program established here in the U.S. that was located in Queens, NY. I have been there twice and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We worked on projects through the day and shared devotions or a message in the mornings and evenings. We spent the majority of our time directly with those in the program. The program has an open door policy – meaning program participants are welcome to leave as they wish. I know that sounds pointless, but if someone isn’t ready to give up the addiction, forcing it only makes it worse. They have to fully committed to the program, or it won’t work. Unfortunately, that center closed down a couple of years ago and the program Director took a much needed vacation.
Since going to Betel in NY, my wife and I have both had a desire to go on the U.K. trip. Every year, something gets in the way. More often than not, it’s money. But other times it just didn’t seem to be the right season for us. It was so frustrating, to say the least. In between all of that, I felt lead to take a class called Perspectives on the World Christian Movement – based solely on the history of missions from Abraham to current times (you can find them online at perspectives.org if you are interested in learning more). Very fascinating, to say the least. And we had a different teacher every week with a different background and perspective toward missions work. The information was priceless. All it did was strengthen my desire to go somewhere, someway, somehow. I just wanted to go.
Fast forward 2 years or so. It’s Betel time once again. The leadership will be different as well as the trip focus (they usually go over and stay at one center, pray and serve people while doing projects through the day. This year, they’re going on what I refer to as a prayer circuit. They will spend a day or two at one center and then move on to the next, and so on). It’s gonna be intense. God is gonna do some amazing stuff. And I really want to go. But I’m just not sure how it’s going to happen.
2016 was a tough year for us financially. From my wife being in a car accident to health concerns with one of our daughters, we were feeling the strain of medical bills, lawyers and the like. I decided to buy a newer, safer vehicle for my wife which included a payment we haven’t had in nearly 5 years. We have never made a lot of money, but we also have successfully steered clear of debt. So how in the heck could this trip happen? I didn’t know, but I decided to attend one of the informational meetings after church just to see where things would go.
During the meeting and short video, the leaders passed around a clipboard to get simple info from those who were interested. “Simply provide your name and email address so we can keep in touch with you about the trip. Oh, and by the way, your commitment deadline is March 15th. Have some money ready to begin the ticket buying process if you’re a go.” This isn’t exactly what was said, but the time for committing was obviously closing in. Then I noticed two other columns on this piece of paper – column 1: Check if you are IN; column 2: Check if you are still praying about it.
“Ugh…NOOO…what do I do?!?! Do I really need to pray about this anymore than I already have? I can’t really say that I’m IN, because I don’t really have the money.” Instant sweat beads…no lie. I stared at those two columns for what felt like 10 minutes (it was probably only like 2 or 3…but who’s counting; it’s my story). I really didn’t know what to do. But I made a great decision – I stopped thinking about it. I grabbed the conveniently available pen and swiped that aforementioned check mark right in the “IN” column. I decided to go strictly on faith. I don’t know how this is going to work, but if it is meant to be my year to go, You, Lord, will make it happen. Then I quickly passed the clipboard before my senses came back to me.
Would you believe that the craziest things began to happen? The following Tuesday I was presented with up to half of the cost of the trip being covered by someone who really believes I’m meant to go. The Saturday after that, I had someone offer me $100 toward the cost. Still crazier yet, at church on Sunday, someone handed me $200 cash saying they felt strongly God was asking them to give it to me for the trip (I know this person, and I know he “can’t afford it.” But God honors obedience). It has been absolutely insane! The idea that the simplicity of checking a box with a check mark by faith would set off such a chain of events has absolutely blown my mind.
The power behind that mark has been surreal to me. It’s such a small little thing – seemingly insignificant until used. Once it is put into place, though, it can set off a completely unexpected series of events leading you down a path you only hoped to be on one day. That’s how I see it.
Moral of the story – small, seemingly insignificant things can become the most powerful with a simple stroke of a pen. Don’t underestimate the power of even the tiniest little bit of faith. Just give God something to work with. Take the chance; check that box. Just say yes and He will take it from there.
Oh, and by the way, I haven’t quite reached my goal of covering the total cost of the trip. So, if you happen to feel a nudge to continue blowing my mind, please feel free. 😉
Steven Andrew, Jr 
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