Anchored in the Small Things
Trusting God with the beginnings that don’t seem big—but matter most.
Lately I’ve had Zechariah 4:10 on my heart:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
So often we see the final result, but not all the steps that preceded it. We admire the finished product, the accomplishment, the success, but rarely the quiet, unseen beginnings that made it possible.
The start of something can feel small. Almost insignificant.
We live in a world that celebrates the outcome but overlooks the process. We are trained to desire the end result while undervaluing the stages and seasons it takes to get there.
But what if we chose a different perspective?
What if we learned to rejoice in the very first steps of something new?
What if we allowed the process itself to grow us, refine us, and shape us as we walk toward the end goal?
When I look back over my life, I see so many moments that began as small steps, things that didn’t seem like much at the time.
When I wrote the outline for my first book and had no idea how the publishing process worked, I could never have imagined that I would go on to publish four more books, and even help guide others in publishing their own.
When I felt led to start a Bible study for my daughter, I didn’t know it would grow, double in size, and eventually lead me to write my first devotional for girls.
When I started homeschooling my kids during COVID, I had no idea it would fit our family so well. Yet here we are six years later, still loving the life and freedom it has brought our family.
When I committed to simply lacing up my running shoes each day, I didn’t know it would become a habit that strengthened not just my body, but also my mind and spirit. I didn’t know my kids would begin to notice every time I started the treadmill, and now often join me in workouts of their own.
What once seemed small has shaped so much.
The truth is, when things appear small or insignificant, that’s often when the deepest work is happening inside us.
Because if we can be faithful in the small things, we can be trusted with the big things.
Small beginnings build character.
Small steps build consistency.
Small acts of obedience build a life of purpose.
So don’t hesitate to start small.
Whatever God has placed on your heart - start it. Even if it seems like it won’t make much of a difference. Even if it feels like no one will notice.
Because every meaningful journey begins the same way:
One step.
One act of faith.
One small beginning.
And over time, faithful consistency will take you places you never imagined.
When you begin something new, ask God for these things:
1️⃣ Vision
Without vision, it’s easy to drift. Goals can guide us, but God-given vision gives our efforts purpose. Ask the Lord to show you the bigger picture so your faith and focus stay anchored in Him.
2️⃣ Wisdom
In the Bible, Solomon asked God for wisdom instead of riches, and God honored that request. Wisdom helps us make the right decisions and opens doors that hard work alone cannot.
3️⃣ Clarity
Uncertainty can stall progress. Scripture reminds us that God is not the author of confusion. Ask Him to gently light your next step so you can move forward with confidence.
4️⃣ The Right Environment
Growth is deeply influenced by where we are planted. Ask God to place you in spaces, communities, and seasons where your gifts and calling can flourish.
5️⃣ Direction
Hard work is valuable, but it’s even more powerful when it’s guided by God. Just as Noah followed God’s instructions to build the ark, we can ask for clear direction for the path ahead.
6️⃣ The Right People
God often works through relationships. The encouragement, wisdom, and support of the right people can help us step fully into what God is calling us to do.
7️⃣ Favor
There are moments when God’s favor moves in ways we could never accomplish on our own. His blessing can open doors, create opportunities, and accelerate what He has placed in our hearts.
As I reflect on all of this, I’m reminded again of the verse that has been on my heart:
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.”
God doesn’t overlook the beginning.
He celebrates it.
The first step of obedience.
The first page written.
The first prayer prayed.
The first day you choose to show up again.
What may feel small to us is often the exact place where God begins building something meaningful. The habits, the discipline, the faith, and the character formed in those early steps become the very foundation for what comes later.
So if something has been stirring in your heart, don’t wait until it feels big enough, perfect enough, or important enough.
Start small.
Start faithfully.
Start today.
Because the same God who celebrates the beginning is also the One who carries the work forward.
And you never know what beautiful things God may grow from a simple, faithful beginning. 🌱
Love,
