Friday, July 26, 2024

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

Zechariah 4:10

Despise–that is an awfully strong word. Yet, if we are honest, often we do despise small beginnings. In our world of immediate gratification, being an overnight sensation can contribute to feelings of legitimacy in our endeavor and feed our ego, fueling our self-worth. Small beginnings are rarely the goal! ‘Tik-Tok Famous’ anyone?

It seems the distaste for starting small is a millenia-old human struggle. If we consider what’s being discussed in Zechariah, chapter 4, we see that it's about rebuilding God’s temple—a seemingly very worthy endeavor to be done quickly, if there ever was one. And yet….the counsel is not to despise small beginnings. The text seems to suggest they are to be expected.

Verse 10 is one that tends to get pulled out and offered as encouragement on plaques, mugs and other knick-knacks. But, it's Zechariah 4:6 that offers clarity as to why small beginnings are valuable.

Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Zechariah 4:6

True victories come from the Spirit of God, not by our own power.

When it comes to traveling at the pace of peace we are wise to savor the journey. Although sometimes it can feel like we are just plodding along, the familiar rhythm of small consistent steps, and continually leaning on God, acts like a metronome reminding us who is actually responsible for our success. Small beginnings humble us, and cause us to rely on God.

While slow growth can leave us feeling like something is amiss, this is a tremendous opportunity to trust God and pray big. This more peaceful pace allows you time and space to grow closer to God. It's a reminder of who is truly in control and allows God time to grow you more and more into the person he wants you to become. And our relationship with him is far more important than anything we accomplish.

Furthermore, small beginnings tend to lead to long term success as expounded on in books like Atomic Habits and Mini Habits. They are nothing to be despised.

Instead, what would it look like to delight in them? How could appreciating these lead to a deeper reliance, appreciation and love for God? How could they contribute to peace?