Let’s imagine you have two options: You can choose between receiving $500,000 or a penny. It seems like an easy choice, right? But what if I told you that penny doubles every day for 30 days? What would you choose then?
At first, the penny seems almost laughable. After 10 days, it’s only worth $5.12. After 20 days, it reaches $5,242.88, still not enough to rival the half-million. But by the 30th day, that penny has become an astounding $5,368,709.12. What seemed insignificant now eclipses even the grandest offer.
This example illustrates how small beginnings can lead to something extraordinary.
Small Acts Can Make a Big Difference
A classic story of small actions comes from a young boy throwing starfish back into the ocean. After a storm washed thousands of starfish ashore, an old man told the boy he couldn’t possibly make a difference. In response, the boy threw another starfish into the sea and said, “I made a difference to that one.”
It’s a powerful reminder that small, intentional actions can have life-changing results for someone.
Biblical Foundations of Small Beginnings
In the book of Zechariah, we read, “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10, NLT). The rebuilding of the Temple by Zerubbabel and the Israelites was a perfect example of how humble starts can lead to great things. Though their resources were limited, God rejoiced to see the work begin.
In a similar way, the widow’s offering of two small coins captured Jesus’ attention. Though it seemed insignificant, Jesus said, “This poor widow has given more than all the rest of them… She gave everything she had to live on” (Mark 12:43-44, NLT). Jesus valued her small, faithful act.
God works through the small things—whether it’s a glass of water, a mustard seed, or even a few loaves and fish.
Small Beginnings and Faith
Why does God seem to favor small beginnings? Because they foster dependence on Him. When Zerubbabel and the remnant of Israel were rebuilding the Temple, they didn’t have the resources or manpower to finish the job on their own. It was only through God’s power that they succeeded, as Zechariah 4:6 reminds us, “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
When we start small, we are more likely to recognize God’s hand in our success.
The Long Road of Growth
Small beginnings often come with a hard truth: Growth takes time. The mustard seed doesn’t become a tree overnight, and acorns don’t instantly turn into oak trees. The Bible teaches us patience and perseverance. Jesus said, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones” (Luke 16:10, NLT).
As the story of David shows, even small things, like learning to use a slingshot, can prepare you for monumental challenges. When David faced Goliath, he relied on years of small, unnoticed practice. What others saw as a simple tool became a means to a great victory.
The Importance of Faithfulness in Small Things
God often asks for faithfulness in the small things. Like the boy who gave his small lunch to Jesus, or Moses’ mother who built a small basket to save her son, small acts of faithfulness in God’s hands can produce mighty results.
Quote:
“Never underestimate what God can do with your small acts of faithfulness. In His hands, the smallest seed can grow into something mighty.” – Richard Rohr
Embracing Small Beginnings
Some embrace the idea of small beginnings with the hope that they will one day lead to something big and important. And while that is often true, there’s more to it. Small starts teach us trust, dependence, and an attachment to Jesus. They challenge our reliance on ourselves and shift our gaze toward God.
Final Takeaway:
Don’t despise your small beginnings. They are opportunities for God to work, and with faithfulness, they will grow into something far greater than you could ever imagine.
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