“Do not despise these small beginnings…” Zechariah 4:10
On the life long journey of purpose, sometimes we can get discouraged because in our eyes our endeavors seem so small and insignificant in the larger scheme of things. I have felt this discouragement many times along the way. I knew I was on the right track, but what good was I doing? I wanted to be a blessing. I wanted to have enough to give away and take care of my family. It seemed as though I was doing neither. Have you been there? If not, you will be at some point. Here is where the power of the Word sets us free. God gave me the above scripture and told me to be thankful for my present postion. Anything worthwhile and lasting begins small and goes through a process that may take years. But when that thing is at its full stature, it is an amazing testament to the power of God.
Jesus teaches this in a parable about the Kingdom of God: “Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? 19 It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches” Luke 13:18-19. The process of growth is invisible, but it is constant and the results will eventually manifest in the visible. It takes patience and consistency to allow the process to come to a strong end. Meanwhile, being thankful at every step ensures that the gardener will not grow weary and give up, allowing discouragement to stunt its growth or kill it altogether.
Be grateful. It is the most powerful weapon you have against discouragement. Do I still get down? Not as much, now that I understand the principles of growth. Gratefulness ushers us into the presence of God where there is fullness of joy and great delights to sustain our souls in the hardest of times. Remember this in the new year ahead.
Day of Small Things: Gratefulness
