Read Zechariah 4:10, Philippians 4:10-13, Psalm 138:8, 2 Corinthians 5:7
Zechariah 4:10- “For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. ‘These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.’” (ESV)
Have you ever felt like God was calling you to something but it didn’t seem significant (at least at first)? In this life, it is easy to get caught up in the “big thing” that is constantly in front of our eyes in everyday life, television, social media, etc. This is not a knock on the “big thing” because that “big thing” may have started very small. Many great things are forged from small beginnings. We can never predict how God will do something unless He specifically shows us. It is probably safe to say that we all seem to wonder how God works. Nonetheless, we still cannot figure Him out and never will as His ways are not our ways (Ref Isaiah 55:8). The best thing we can do is be obedient and continue to take steps of faith. Whether God has called you to ministry, a business vocation, the medical field, teaching, etc., we must be obedient to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives daily.
The big thing is always in front of our eyes. But something we need to learn is to be content where God has us. Paul says it plainly in Philippians 4:10-13 - “I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (ESV). Do you remember David in the Bible? The shepherd boy keeping the flock. Humble beginnings, wouldn’t you say? What about Gideon, Moses, or most of all- Jesus, born in a manger. He was a carpenter, nothing to boast about, but look what happened. He conquered death and paved the way for all of us to be saved from hell. There are so many people in the Bible that did not have it handed to them right away. This is not to say that cannot happen, because God can do anything.
Just to note, the examples shared here would potentially indicate that small beginnings always lead to the big things later on, but that just would not be true. The results of small beginnings may stay small or they may grow to heights you can never imagine. Possibly, the Lord may show you or He may not, but that is entirely up to Him with what He shows you and what He does. Nonetheless, we encourage you, don’t despise the small thing because from it God can do something wonderful.
Don’t chase the dollars, fame, or fortune, but rather chase God’s will for your life and you will be more than satisfied. Your success is not measured in the way the world measures success. The small church ministry you lead might be raising up the leaders to start revival in a community or nation. Your day job may be a canvas that God wants to use to minister to others. Your small job making very little money may be supplying you the skills to own a business one day and raise great leaders up. The small beginnings may be giving you the character and humility that simply makes you more into His image. Either way, there is purpose and significance in small beginnings.
God wants your full obedience. He strengthens those who are completely committed to Him (Ref 2 Chronicles 16:9). God’s will isn’t always comfortable and sometimes it’s very challenging and difficult. His will yields the best possible result (in this life and in Heaven). However, the best possible result may not be what you think, but God knows this and we need to trust Him. Small things are a great canvas for God to work with. Be humble, do what God has given you to do with all your heart, and let God take care of everything else. No striving, but rather, taking one step at a time. Finally brothers and sisters, remember Psalm 138:8 where David writes “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” (ESV)
May His Name be Praised,
Blessings