Do Not Despise Small Beginnings
At the beginning of every year, most people start with new resolutions. They evaluate the year that just ended and resolve to change and do things differently. This is because the start of a year feels like a new beginning. Some resolutions may include determination to eat more fruits and vegetables, exercise more, start a ministry, or start a business.
Start Somewhere, One Step at a Time
The main thing is to start somewhere, one step at a time.
In the book of Zechariah, the Lord spoke to Zerubbabel through the Prophet Zechariah. This was after God’s people returned from exile. One of the tasks Zerubbabel was to undertake was to lead the people in rebuilding the temple. It may have seemed like an enormous job, and he may have been discouraged. However, the Lord had some encouraging words for him.
Zechariah 4:6
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the Lord of hosts.”
That must have been reassuring for Zerubbabel. It is good to recognize that in whatever we choose to undertake, it is not our own strength that will make it successful. It is the Spirit of the Lord that guides and offers wisdom. In addition to God assuring Zerubbabel that He will be with the people as they rebuild the temple, He had something to tell them about the beginning of the work.
Zechariah 4:9-10 NLT
“Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
Small beginnings lead to bigger achievements in the end, so long as we do not give up. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin.
The beginning is key in every project or assignment, even if it seems small. Sometimes we tend to downplay the small beginnings. We often confuse “small” with “meaningless.” We may say, “I just have a small ministry, or my business is small, so it cannot have any impact. One day, when I expand, then I will make an impact, or God will be able to use me.” There are so many excuses we can give to make the beginning appear less significant.
Partner with God in Small Beginnings
The essential thing is to involve God along the way. Proverbs 3:5-6 is a good reminder of our partnership with God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
As we trust God and surrender our plans to Him, He can direct us and show us the way we should go.
Small beginnings are usually times when we have fewer resources. These could be money, knowledge, or experience. For instance, someone starting a business or starting a new job. The Bible says that when we are faithful with little, then we can be trusted with much.
Luke 16:10
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Your small beginning might look like:
Writing when no one is reading
Serving when no one is applauding
Praying when answers seem delayed
Building when resources are limited
None of this is wasted in God’s economy.
Growth Takes Time
We live in an age of impatience, but spiritual growth follows agricultural principles. Seeds require time underground before they ever break the surface. Roots must grow before fruit can appear. Despising small beginnings often leads to frustration, comparison, and discouragement. Embracing them leads to peace, perseverance, and trust.
It is during times of small beginnings that our character is shaped. When we manage small tasks faithfully, then our potential to oversee greater responsibilities is revealed.
As you begin 2026, remember that God is present at the beginning, and He is faithful to bring His work to completion.