Small Talk, Big Moments
ANITHA ABRAHAM
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“When Joseph saw them the next morning, he noticed that they both looked upset. ‘Why do you look so worried today?’ he asked them.” Genesis 40:6-7 (NLT)
Recently, some friends and I had the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. We struck up a conversation with one of the employees, just asking about his role there. The exchange quickly progressed to a deeper discussion about biblical history. He then surprised us by offering each of us a bookmark with our name written in Hebrew. We jumped at the chance.
One by one, he asked us our names and gave us the meaning as he translated them into Hebrew. We were blown away by how the meaning of our names connected to our lives in such tangible ways.
In the middle of a museum, we felt the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit surrounding us. It was a big, powerful moment that started with small talk.
I wondered how many people had walked by this kind employee without much thought. Or maybe they started talking to him but didn’t linger too long. Ironically, that’s how I usually am.
Small talk can feel insignificant. However, I’m learning that small talk doesn’t have to stay small. In fact, in our small talk, God may have some big moments hidden in disguise.
The Bible includes stories of people engaging in ordinary conversations that led to extraordinary results.
When Joseph (the colorful coat one) was in prison, he noticed two of his cellmates “looked upset. ‘Why do you look so worried today?’ he asked them” (Genesis 40:6-7).
Let’s be honest — how many times do we avoid asking someone that same question, fearing a lengthy response? Not only that, but Joseph had his own issues. He could have just said, “Get it together, guys!” and ended the conversation there.
But to make a long story short, Joseph’s small question led to a big answer: He was eventually released from prison and promoted to a palace. (To read the full story, see Genesis 40-41.)
Another example happened in Luke 24:13-34, when two of Jesus’ followers were walking to Emmaus after Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus joined them on their journey, but they didn’t realize who He was! These travelers welcomed a “stranger” into their conversation. What if they had dismissed Jesus and kept talking among themselves? Instead, they had a 7-mile journey filled with rich conversation with the risen Messiah.
Don’t worry, my fellow introverts — I’m not saying we need to talk to every stranger we sit next to on a plane or each employee at a museum. But when we can, let’s lean in. You may be walking into a God-ordained conversation that could bless not only the other person but also you.
Dear Father, help me not to miss out on opportunities that may seem small in my eyes but are a big part of Your plan. May I be a true ambassador for You every chance I get. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (NIV).
Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (NIV).
Share an experience when God used you to bless someone you didn’t know well or when a stranger blessed you.
What are some everyday situations in which God may want to use you to be an ambassador for Him?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.
© 2025 by Anitha Abraham. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
Originally published Wednesday, 04 June 2025.
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