Many times, we use this verse as a way of encouraging others who begin a new endeavour. Don't despise small beginnings. The Lord rejoices to see the work begin. I am not denying the truth stated here. I have no doubt that God delights when He sees us walking in obedience to a task that He has called us to pursue, but there is so much more to the understanding of this text.
For Zerubbabel, the temple had laid in ruins for twenty years. Twenty years of living "small things". We see our "small things" enduring endlessly, while a year is like a day to the Lord. What we must remember is that God is doing many things in our seasons of small things. We need to look at the present instead of straining for bigger things to come. Times of "small things" are not a punishment, nor has God forgotten us. Small beginning seasons are preparation. They are opportunities for faithfulness.
Do you recall the parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16? A steward has mismanaged his employer's money and is going to lose his job. He proceeds to cleverly cut deals, reducing the debts of those who owe him, foreseeing a need to have friends who will welcome him in the days ahead when he will be out of work. He manipulates and maneuvers the situation so that others will feel obligated to help him in the future. The punchline of the parable reads: "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities."
God is always watching how we handle "little things". Zechariah's instruction not to despise small beginnings is a reprimand to us all. If we are honest, we hate slow starts and small beginnings, but God has a purpose even when we do not understand. The "small" we are walking right now is not a mistake. If only we could embrace it, surrender to it, enjoy it and trust God in it. Instead, we often try to yield bigger results with our own efforts, yet the prophet has already spoken just a few verses prior, "It is not by force, not by strength, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies."
When will we learn that it is God who causes all things to grow? Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3:7, "So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow." It is always God who brings an increase to anything we do. Fruitfulness in ministry happens when we finally understand this truth which then enables us to serve contentedly wherever God has placed us.
It is always the enemy who stirs our hearts to dissatisfaction in the progress. You see, Satan is very aware of the work of the Lord. He knows that small things surrendered to the hands of God are great things. While we are despising small beginnings, Satan is fearing them.
Little works done with great faith are so pleasing to the Lord. God never measures success by size. Contrary to the saying, "Go big or go home", it is really not the way the Lord works in our lives. We do not have to go big to impress God. Can God do "exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or imagine"? Yes, and we love to quote that verse from Ephesians 3:20, but let's finish it together: "according to His power that works in us." It is not about strategizing but allowing the Lord to empower whatever task He asks of us and watching in awe as He divinely blesses our obedience.
In our longing to do big things for God, may we not overlook the value He places on small things. A small jar of oil (2 Kings 4), a small mustard seed (Matthew 17), a small lunch (Matthew 14), small children (Luke 18), a small offering (Luke 21). God is rejoicing as you hold the "plumb line" in your hand and begin the work, trusting Him completely with the outcome.
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