How can we learn to love the humble beginnings and not despise them? The small things. The tiny steps. The seeds.
I remember sitting at the kitchen table one day, tears of frustration streaming down my face. Being nearly half way through a poetry course, I started to realize how much more I still need to learn. I was overwhelmed by this long, long road in front of me. The realization that I was in the day of humble beginnings upset me, rather than bringing me joy. No, there was no joy.
Why could I not enjoy the humble beginnings?
Why was it so difficult to enjoy my humble beginnings? At that moment I wanted it all, and I wanted it now. I didn’t want to submit to the process of growth and learning. This process requires determination, devotion, diligence, focus, and perseverance. It requires sacrifice. And I was impatient; I didn’t want to wait for God’s timing. I just wanted to be somewhere else ahead.
Do you feel this too? Do you find it difficult to love the humble beginnings in your life? Let’s see how we can change our attitude and gain a new perspective about the humble beginnings with the truths in God’s Word.
Love the humble beginnings because of their potential.
The humble beginnings are seeds – small capsules of life, greatness, and fruitfulness. God has planted such seeds in each of us. It is easy to minimize the potential of something as small as a seed. But this tiny thing can be the birthplace of something so big and so great that we can not even imagine. This principle is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the mustard seed in Luke 13:18-19.
Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to? It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”
All seeds that God gives us have the potential to grow and become trees, and to bring fruit in our lives and the lives of others.
The Lord rejoices in the beginnings.
Our humble beginnings, our starts, and tiny first steps give God pleasure and make Him rejoice. This is what the Bible tells us in Zechariah 4:10.
Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?”
The Lord rejoices when He sees the instruments in our hands, and how we learn and practice. He rejoices to see the work beginning. He rejoices to see our willing and prepared hearts, ready to serve Him.
God rejoices to do miracles with our small things and insufficient capabilities. Humble beginnings are God’s invitation to build a team with Him, to cleave to Him and experience the transforming power of His Spirit. He invites us to take our eyes off the mountains in front of us and to focus on the One Who moves mountains.
The value of the process and progress.
We want to go from A to B in a straight line as soon as possible; we prefer a shortcut. It would be great to achieve our goals fast and to succeed immediately in what we are doing. But this is not how things work. To be called to do something is just the beginning of a path of growth and maturity. God invites us to trust His process and to trust Him for producing fruit that endures for eternity.
Often, we are tempted to rush and hurry in the beginning. We see where others are and fall into the comparison trap and start to despise our humble beginnings. This robs our joy and even paralyzes us. But we need to realize that the process means protection and blessings. When things mature before their time, they don’t have the strength to maintain the level they have achieved prematurely. No, God is leading us on a steady path of progress and growth making us mature and strong enough to sustain the fruit He is producing.
Besides, learning and growing in the field, ministry, the assignment God has for us, is supposed to be a source of joy and satisfaction. When we do things following God’s rhythms of work and rest, empowered and led by His Spirit, we come to enjoy the journey more and more realizing that knowing Him more is the greatest treasure hidden in the process.
Dream big despite the humble beginnings.
Because we have a big God, we can dream big and bold. We can rejoice when He gives us seeds to plant and diligently do what He is calling us to do day by day, leaving the results to Him. Hear God’s encouragement and His promise for progress and completion:
What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” (Zechariah 4:7)
Your turn
What are your humble beginnings right now? Do you find this article helpful? I will be happy if you comment and share it on Social Media. Thanks!
This article first appeared on OnTheWayBG.com.
I am passionate to encourage people through my blog and poems to stand firm in faith and learn to know and love God. I love diving deeper into the Word of God and finding hidden treasures. I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Let’s connect!
It can be hard to appreciate and find joy in our small beginnings when we see we are so far from the end or close to mastery. We live in a culture that sees and celebrates the big successes. Yet I think God wants us to celebrate our small steps and progresses. It takes many small steps to accomplish big things. Maybe we can learn to appreciate and savor our small steps forward.
Thanks for the comment, Theresa! I completely agree. We are so focused on the outcomes that we often neglect the process and forget to celebrate and enjoy the steps and milestones on the journey.