Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.  Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)

     It was the start of a new school year, and I’d overslept. I’d taken the night-watch hours again, praying for our family, friends, community, and nation when I’d been awakened. Sooner or later, I drifted back to sleep. Then I stirred with the cool, morning breeze and birds’ song and feast. My devotional in the morning began, “Rise and shine!”

     Now is not the time to snooze. We are bearers of light in the darkness.

     This summer I sat quietly before the Lord and soaked in His trustworthy Word and Ways. I was silent and wrote less, but He filled me with His goodness and reminded me of His faithful promises. I had to race to keep up with Him, and this was hard for one who could only meander. There were moments I witnessed the most pristine and beautiful exchanges and days when I wished to hide from the horror of what men can do. I wondered if I’d write again. 

     Zechariah’s visions had left him spiritually exhausted and traumatized. Weak and immobile. But God! His eyes range to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Zechariah’s name means “The Lord remembers!” God saw the temple ruins and debris, the broken-down walls and shattered gates. Apathy and indifference had overcome His people. The enemy could climb over the rubble that remained. Therefore, He revived Zechariah and leveled the mountain of opposition that Zerubbabel faced as he finished the reconstruction. Both men were called and equipped with purpose.

When the final top stone was brought forth and set, it would signify the temple’s completion. And there would be shouts of “Grace, grace to it!” Blessings! Heartfelt joy, praise, and thanksgiving were a promise. God’s glorious restoration would be witnessed.

     Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of Hosts. Zechariah 4:6 (NASB)

     Maybe you’ve had a similar struggle. God remembers. Don’t dread the small beginnings. Arise! The Lord is pleased when we push through our fears and doubts, and we take our first steps. There is no limit to His divine supply—His love, strength, power, beauty, majesty, and wisdom. He sees our efforts and His delight is in us. So, face the day!     

Take with you these golden nuggets:

You’ve been gifted with purpose. 
     Your work matters—what is done behind the scene is vital to the life of your home, church, and community.  
You are not alone. God will never leave you nor forsake you.
Be generous in all ways.
Widen your inner circle. Welcome the outcast, stranger, and orphan. Take a walk or share a roadside picnic.
      Choose to be different! Jesus lived love and mercy in the face of hate, slander, and rejection.
   God uses the powerless, the timid and weak ones, to shame the proud.
     Fear keeps us living beneath the surface. Ride the waves! 
     Boast only of your weakness. Confess your sin.
     Let prayer become a way of life—pray without ceasing and wait for God’s response. Listen!
     God has a plan. He rescues. Gathers. Cleanses. Purifies. Dresses and adorns. God heals.
     Take courage. Open the door. 
Small beginnings . . .

May God’s grace and peace go with you,

Lily Mae