You Don’t Have to Be Famous to Make a Difference | Embracing Obscurity (2017) | WAYMAN WEDNESDAY

Does your life feel small because nobody seems to notice what you do? In this 2017 sermon, Pastor Wayman Mitchell explains why unseen faithfulness matters—and why we must not despise small beginnings. Preaching from Zechariah 4:10, Mitchell challenges the idea that size, crowds, and recognition determine the value of God’s work. Through biblical examples and experiences from Wickenburg, Prescott, and Guam, he shows how meaningful ministry often begins in overlooked places. If you’re serving without recognition, discouraged by slow progress, or wondering whether your contribution makes a difference, this message offers a challenge: embrace the work God has placed before you. **In this message:** - Why gathering a crowd is different from building a church - What small beginnings can teach us - How God works through overlooked people and places - Practical ways to serve people who are easily forgotten - Why recognition is not the measure of faithfulness **Chapters** 00:00 Opening praise and Zechariah 4 03:05 The rebuilt temple and the older generation’s grief 04:15 “Do not despise the day of small things” 05:43 Embracing obscurity 06:13 The obsession with church size 08:24 Small churches, mega churches, and proselyting 11:11 What obscurity means 13:11 Jeremiah’s call not to seek great things 15:25 A ministry of tearing down and rebuilding 16:20 Prescott’s rough beginnings 20:05 Jesus, Nazareth, and the overlooked 21:34 John the Baptist and Amos: unlikely messengers 23:31 Wickenburg and faithful work without recognition 25:31 Faithful pastoring in Brazil, Indiana 27:26 Isaiah 58 and rebuilding the old waste places 28:54 The vision for the islands 29:51 Guam, the Marianas, and church planting 33:35 David’s hidden preparation for Goliath 35:56 Creative ministry among the overlooked 37:04 Rehab ministry and the fruit of service 38:30 The value of churches built on broken people 39:01 William Booth’s calling among London’s poor 40:30 A missionary reminder: “We’re not home” 41:09 Final challenge: obscurity may be God’s plan **CONNECT** Find a CFM Church near you Enjoying Taking the Land? Leave a five-star review: - Apple Podcasts - Podchaser **SUPPORT WORLD EVANGELISM** Get the **Taking the Land Premium Subscription**: - No ads - Early releases - Full-length Testimony Tuesdays <!--THE END--> - Supercast | $3/month - Spotify | $3.99/month - Apple Podcasts | $4.99/month **All proceeds go to world evangelism.** **Music licensed through Soundstripe.** **Code: P7MKIAAWYZU4162T**