Zechariah 4:10 NLT — “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
I remember when I was a very young Christian and asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord and Savior of my life. Soon after, I began attending a Bible-teaching church that was radically different from my Catholic upbringing. The Bible was opened and taught, and the congregation followed along together. I had never really been exposed to Scripture like that before. Every week, I left in awe of what I had learned—stirred, challenged, and full of wonder. But I also carried one regret: Why had I never read the Bible in all my life?
Somewhere in those early days, I heard, “Do not despise these small beginnings…” That verse became a pillar in my heart. Over time, I realized that following God would always involve new beginnings—new steps, new lessons, new ways of living. And one of the first things He taught me was this: don’t despise them. If God is asking you to do something, He will help you do it. Philippians 1:6 NLT — “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
When you come to Christ, He begins replacing old thinking with new thinking and old habits with new ways of living. Little by little, everything changes. 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT — “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
But here’s the challenge—change, new seasons of life, and new beginnings can feel intimidating. Doing something new can make you feel unsure and unqualified. In my case, reading the Bible and faithfully going to church were completely different from the life I had been living. The struggle wasn’t wanting to do the new thing—it was wondering if I could do it at all. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know what it would require.
That feeling doesn’t just happen at the beginning of your faith. It happens throughout life. Sometimes new beginnings are forced upon us—a job loss, a closed door, a sudden change. We find ourselves standing in the unknown. But often what feels like an interruption is actually God’s redirection. And for that reason, trust is critical! Proverbs 3:5–6 NLT — “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.”
Walking with God means learning to trust Him in new places. That’s how it was for the disciples. For three years, nearly everything they experienced with Jesus was new. He didn’t just save them—He led them. And His leading required continual trust.
Think about the Israelites. God was leading them into a land of promise, but they allowed fear to define the journey despite God giving them this critical instruction. Joshua 1:9 NLT — “This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
There was a wilderness between the promise and its fulfillment, but it was also a place where they could have experienced it as the adventure of God’s provision, miracles, and faithfulness every step of the way with faith and joy!
The same is true for us. The path God leads us on may stretch us, but stretching is God adding to who we are! It is never without purpose. He will not abandon us. He will help us grow with the intention of blessing eventually overtaking us!
Life changes, new beginnings, and new seasons of life are inevitable! They will happen. But, don’t despise the small beginning God is leading you into. Embrace it. Thank Him for it. Trust Him when it feels unfamiliar. What seems small now may be the doorway to something far greater than you can see.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT — “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.”
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for leading me into new beginnings, even when they feel small or uncertain. Help me to trust You, follow You with faith and joy, and never despise the work You are doing in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
