Do Not Despise Small Beginnings -- part 1

As I was praying recently, the Lord gave me this thought:  Think about the small things.

I looked up Zechariah 4:10a (NLT) and read this:  Do not despise these small beginnings (small things in KJV) for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…

Mothers of Nations, whatever your circumstances, whatever task the Lord has put before you, don’t despise today because your efforts seem small. They actually are not small at all in the grand plans of God!

In this portion of Scripture, God is telling Zechariah to not despise small beginnings. At that time in history the people were rebuilding the temple and the prophet was encouraging the nation as they worked to complete this huge task. Through their years of exile, the Israelites were:

• Low on money
• Low on morale
• Slow in progress
• Lacking in temple appearance (not as grand as former temple)

During the 70 years of captivity, we can only imagine how difficult starting a project like this must have been:  no builders, no craftsmen, no assistance, and such. It truly was a very difficult undertaking.

It took several more years to finish the project which was named Zerubbabel’s Temple. This edifice was not as grand and beautiful as Solomon’s Temple. Some of the people were happy and rejoiced while others cried because they compared the past situation to the present. Yet God said that even though it was not the same, He would bless it and His glory would be present in this new temple.

Therefore, Zechariah was told to not despise these small beginnings. He was not to regard this present situation as nothing nor mock or criticize the current circumstances. It truly was a good thing!

I have often noticed or personally experienced that the Lord will start with something small to then create something much larger and expansive. Again let’s repeat, don’t despise small beginnings! Next week we will look at the lives of three Bible characters that exemplify this point.

Blessings to you all,

Dr. Sharon Predovich