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
Today, let's delve into a universal experience—starting small before growing big. This progression is evident in various aspects of life, whether it's the physical journey from infancy to adulthood or the educational path from kindergarten to obtaining a master's degree. However, today, the focus is on becoming all that God wants you to be.
First, remember that humble beginnings carry no shame. They are not a permanent dwelling place but a necessary stepping stone towards our desired destinations. It's crucial to define the kind of "small" we should not linger in. In the broader world, being small translates to being unimportant and insignificant. Something is deemed insignificant when its presence lacks importance—commonly dismissed with phrases like "it's only a small matter." Smallness can also manifest in insufficient quantities, such as having "insufficient funds."
But when God assures us we shall not be small, it signifies an avoidance of insufficiency in various aspects—our thinking, faith, achievements, blessings, relationship with God, and even our financial well-being.
In Zechariah 4:10, we are encouraged not to despise small beginnings, for the Lord takes joy in witnessing the commencement of work. “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” The plumb line was an instrument used in building in those days. As used here, it signifies that work is being done. Your plumbline is your tool of work. And God delights in seeing you working the work, even if it is small to begin.
That is, although starting afresh or assuming a small role might be disheartening for us, God celebrates our beginnings—our commencement. The foundation of a home, seemingly small, is integral to the grand completion of something significant. 1 Samuel 15:10 says “when you were little in your own eyes the Lord made you the head”. Making you the head is an act of elevation, an act of going from small to big.
Just as a builder values each small component in constructing a building, God recognizes the significance of our humble beginnings in shaping our ultimate purpose. God delights in choosing individuals when they are small, foreseeing the greatness and impact that lies ahead for them. Much like the growth from tiny cells into capable adults, it is characteristic of God to magnify the small into the substantial. Therefore, starting small should not be despised; instead, we must find grace to express gratitude during these phases, knowing that everything works together for our good.
However, a concern arises when we remain small for an extended period. Isaiah 60:22 prophesies the transformation of the smallest family into a mighty nation, emphasizing God's inclination to turn the small into something significant. The key lies in transitioning from one state to another, as being small is intended to be a temporary phase rather than a permanent state. You can surely start small, but you must not remain small.
In our prayers, let's seek discernment to navigate the path leading from humble beginnings to a greater life and dominion—fulfilling the design God has for each of us.
Song of Worship
I have a very big God O, who is always by my side. A very big God O, by my side, by my side
Dear Lord, give me the discernment to know which steps will lead to the design you have created for me to become, so that I may not remain small, but I may become big in everything that I do and in the way that I think and speak. I declare everything good that is small in my life to blossom into something big. Help me o Lord to be prepared for the places that will allow the goodness in my life to grow. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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