Small Things, Small Beginnings.

For who has despised the day of small things?… Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV).

I am currently studying the book of Zechariah and the above scripture caught my attention. This scripture reference is interesting because we can all relate to small things or small beginnings at some point in our lives.

A brief background to God asking Zechariah the question. The Israelites recently returned to Jerusalem from their Babylonian captivity, a humbling experience! They felt discouraged at the “smallness” of the foundation for the new temple and the huge building task before them. God then sent the prophet Zechariah to encourage the governor Zerubbabel.

What is your small beginning? Perhaps it’s your job, your small apartment, a relationship, a start-up business project, or slow recovery from illness. Whatever is your small beginning, it may be slow and hard going, but stay with it.

During the first lockdown, people all over the UK clapped for NHS workers for their fantastic work fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Perhaps you are saying, “they are not talking about me but about the nurses and doctors who directly treat the COVID-19 patients. I am just a cleaner who cleans the floor of the hospital wards and the toilets”. Or you are saying, “I am just an administrative officer who schedules patient appointments”.

I want you to believe that you are unique. Your contribution to the success of the NHS or wherever you work is invaluable. Without you, the NHS will fall apart.

So why do we sometimes despise, or look down on small beginnings?

Small beginnings can be extremely difficult often requiring hard work and dedication. It can sometimes appear unsuccessful especially when we begin to compare ourselves with those already in the field. We look at what we are doing and conclude that it’ll never work.

Do not compare yourself with the “big boys”. The big boys at some point all had a small beginning. Value and develop what you have and one day “your gift will make room for you and bring you before great men.” Proverbs 18:16 (NKJV)

It is important to be equipped with the necessary information and experience you need to help you succeed and fulfil your dream. But never entertain the thought that your idea or vision is too small to be significant or too little and late to make an impact on someone’s life.

Age can be a reason we despise our small beginnings. It’s not too late to get that qualification. It’s never too late to be in a relationship. It’s not too late to start a family. It’s not too late to make a start on that project. Do not allow your age to restrict or stop you from developing your vision, dream or idea.

Fear is another reason we despise the day of small beginnings. We are afraid that people will be negative, criticise and ridicule our idea. Because of people’s insecurity, they will sometimes criticise and ridicule your idea. Don’t allow what people will say stop you from moving forward.

I am sure you can think of many other reasons why we despise or look down on small beginnings. The message and encouragement I believe God want to bring is that every great work of the Lord starts small.

“Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” Haggai 2:3-4 (NLT)

Have faith in the promises of God and stay with your dreams.

Stay blessed,

Alex