SCRIPTURAL REFERENECES
(Zechariah 4:10) "For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice and and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth."
(Luke 21:1-4) [1] "And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury."
[2] "And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites." [3] "And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:" [4] "For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had."
(Mark 12:41-44 ) [41] "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much." [42] "And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing." [43] "And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:" [44] "For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
(John 6:5-9) [5] "When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" [6] "And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do." [7] "Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little." [8] "One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,"
[9] "There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?"
(John 6:10-13) [10] "And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand." [11] "And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would." [12] "When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." [13] "Therefore they gathered them together and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten."
PREFACE SUMMARY
As the Lord placed this message in my heart, my mind wandered in many directions. I thought about the Prophet Elijah, a man of God whom the Holy Bible declares to be upright and passionate like you and me (James 5:17). He prayed that it would not rain, and God honored his prayer, shutting up the heavens for three years and six months.
After defeating the false prophets of Jezebel on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:43-45), speaks about the prophet Elijah going to a place with his servant overlooking the sea and praying for rain. He sent his servant to look toward the sea six times, and he reported no visible sign of rain. When he sent him the seventh time, the servant reported back to the prophet that he saw a small cloud emerging from the sea, about the size of a man's hand.
Upon receiving this report from his servant, the prophet Elijah promptly advised the King to descend from the mountain swiftly because there would be an abundance of rain. The word of God declares that Elijah outran the King's horses off the mountain.
If we look at (1 Kings 18:43-45) spiritually, the sea could be a metaphor for the world. At the same time, the small cloud, no bigger than a man's hand, represents Elijah as the hand of God in a heathen world. Elijah's presence, represented by the little cloud about the size of a man’s hand, was used by God to bring change to the world and act as a catalyst or vessel of change for God's purpose.
Notice that as the small cloud grows, it gradually transforms into a black cloud, which symbolizes the power of God's grace working through people who acknowledge and understand God's purpose in their lives. These people become agents of change, recognizing the purpose driving the vision they feel is always out of reach and closer to reality.
Beloved, when we take the time to truly understand and embrace the unique purpose that God has for each of us in our lives, and then align our actions and decisions with that purpose, we can tap into the transformative power of grace. By doing so, we can become active agents of positive change in the world, influencing our surroundings with love, compassion, and justice.
When I meditate on the small cloud bringing an abundance of rain, I am reminded of the story about a poor widow woman giving her two mites into the temple treasury. My thoughts center on the faith and spirit of the man of God's prayer and the sincerity of the widow's woman's faith in giving all of her living to the Lord’s work.
Beloved, the widow's offering story is a powerful illustration of generosity and selflessness found in both (Mark 12:41-44) and (Luke 21:1-4). Her story teaches us that faithful giving is not about the amount but the heart and attitude behind the gift. The poor widow woman gave all she had, demonstrating her sacrificial generosity and deep faith.
The poor widow who gave everything she had to the Lord touched the Lord's heart so much that he recognized and pointed out her sacrificial offering. Her generous giving should encourage us to reflect on our giving and the sincerity of our motives when we give.
The widow's offering, given selflessly and without reservation, profoundly illustrates sacrificial giving and unwavering commitment to God. This poor widow woman and her giving should remind us that God values the motive and attitude behind our gifts more than their material worth, prompting us to evaluate our acts of generosity and ensure that they are driven by a pure heart and a selfless spirit.
Beloved, the message that God has placed in my heart—"Do Not Despise the Day of Small Beginnings"—reminds me of the phrase, "Little is much when God is in it." Both phrases remind us that even our small acts of service and kindness when touched with God's power, can have a far-reaching impact on influencing others around us.
The phrase, “Little is much when God is in it,” reminds me of Jesus feeding a large crowd of five thousand people with just five loaves of bread and two fish, as recounted in (John 6:1-14). This story is a deep illustration of God's divine power and provision, revealing to us how a small offering can be abundantly multiplied through the grace of God, providing nourishment for many.
Beloved, I often find myself pondering the role of the boy's mother in this miraculous event. I imagine her preparing his lunch to nourish him on his journey to hear Jesus speak, and I wonder what it would have been like if unforeseen circumstances had come up to prevent her from going with him to see Jesus.
Can you imagine the mixed emotions on her face when she asks her son if he ate his lunch, and the boy responds, "Yes, dear mother, I enjoyed my lunch alongside five thousand others, and the disciples of Jesus gathered twelve baskets of leftovers to distribute to those in need?"
Beloved, this miraculous event, a demonstration of the incredible power of God's provision, richly illustrates how God can miraculously turn hopeless situations into an abundant supply for His people, reaffirming their faith in His unwavering and all-encompassing providence.
In conclusion, God's awesome, compassionate, and endless power enables Him to take what may seem like limited and insufficient resources and miraculously turn them into abundant and generous provision for His people. This demonstrates His ability to work wonders and provide for His followers in ways that surpass human understanding.
"EMBRACING SMALL BEGINNINGS."
Beloved, in a society that frequently celebrates fast-tracked, right now microwave gratification, embracing small, shallow starts may seem useless. However, it's essential to acknowledge that this journey is not always easy, and there may be times when you feel like your progress is too slow, meaningless, or insignificant.
Acknowledging and cherishing these early stages is necessary for your personal development and will help you start on your way to success. Progress often begins with small steps, which can help cultivate a mindset that nurtures perseverance and resilience, leading to more sustainable and meaningful long-term achievements.
Every noteworthy accomplishment results from taking a series of small, what we call baby steps. God honors our faith and actions at the beginning of what we wish to accomplish, forming the foundation for our future success. Just as drawing up blueprints before building a house, anything worthwhile will require dedication, persistence, and patience. Patience is not just a virtue; it's necessary in our journey toward success, helping us stay calm and focused even when the results are not immediate.
Beloved, starting small is essential for learning and growth. It provides the opportunity to experiment and gain valuable insights without the fear of making significant mistakes. During target practice, it's important to remember that missing the mark is a natural part of the learning process. Don't feel discouraged if you don't hit the target every time, as practice and patience are crucial to improving your skills. When projects are in progress, troubleshooting, and refining skills become more accessible.
The process of personal and spiritual growth often requires patience and perseverance. It is essential to understand that the timetable for growth set by God may not always align with our human expectations. This can be challenging, but recognizing and accepting this difference in timing can lead to a more profound sense of trust and faith in personal development.
Throughout history, it has been evident that times of persecution have often led to a revival of the church. An example of this can be seen in the apostle Paul's missionary journey to Ephesus, located in Asia. The journey seemed unsuccessful as Paul and his companions faced imminent danger, almost losing their lives. During these moments of intense pressure and adversity, individuals are driven closer to Christ.
Bible Scholars have debated whether a hostile mob or a severe illness threatened them. Regardless, Paul urged his companions to place their trust in God, emphasizing that even the dead could be raised by His power. Paul and his men found themselves pushed to their limits beyond their human strength, and their sole source of hope resided in their unwavering faith in God.
Beloved, life's challenges are designed to press us out of ourselves and into Christ, where our life is in Him. The challenges must be powerful enough to push us beyond our human strength and any source of hope we may be holding onto until all we have left is our faith in God.
God is known to allow circumstances and trials to come against a man or woman that he has chosen for a special ministry, including placing them in situations where there is no conceivable way for them to win on their own.
When we come to the end of ourselves and sink until we have no hope in our human strength, the victory of the cross shines through. God never promised us a life without discomfort, discouragement, and even depression, but He promised to be with us through it all, and we can find comfort in knowing that God is faithful, and His word declares He is always present to help us in times of trouble, and if you ever feel overwhelmed by a situation, take comfort in knowing you can endure it. Remember that God has placed this challenge upon you because you can overcome it, and His grace will guide you through even the most challenging times.
Despite the results we see from our efforts, it is essential to maintain trust in the understanding that God is constantly at work behind the scenes, guiding and shaping our lives to align with his divine purposes. This keeps us connected and aligned with our spiritual journey, knowing that God's transformative power is always at work within us, shaping us into the individuals he intends us to be.
With each small victory, you strengthen your confidence and reinforce your belief in your ability to accomplish more substantial goals. This boost in confidence is crucial as it allows you to tangibly witness your progress, making you more adaptable and receptive to embracing even more significant challenges.
In closing, let me say that working towards challenging goals can often feel intimidating and overwhelming, leading to a sense of inadequacy and fear of failure. However, starting with small, manageable steps can effectively break down your objectives into achievable tasks. This approach reduces the feeling of being overwhelmed and makes the entire journey more enjoyable and less discouraging.
"UNCOVERING DIVINE BLESSINGS WITHIN THE DARKNESS."
Beloved, despair can sometimes weigh down on us like a heavy, oppressive cloud, making it difficult to see the light of hope and joy. Yet, we must remember that even in this darkness, there is the potential for overflowing divine blessings, even in our times of despair.
To experience the blessings, we must allow God’s Holy Spirit to shift our view and open our hearts to see beyond the dreadful challenges and find some comfort in our struggles, realizing that no matter how difficult the situation is, King Solomon stated in the book of Ecclesiastes, "God has a purpose for everything and that there is nothing new under the sun."
Uncovering blessings within despair is a delicate process that involves acknowledging and understanding your feelings without letting your heart condemn you for the many mistakes you have made in the past. It's crucial to understand that experiencing moments of despair when you feel overwhelmed or hopeless does not weaken your worthiness.
In biblical history, numerous remarkable men and women of faith who were honored enough to make it into God’s Hall of Fame encountered gruesome trials that tested their faith. Their incredible journeys are powerful testimonies to the transformative power of divine intervention and resilience as they turned their struggles into opportunities for blessings and growth.
Beloved, think about the times when you felt unnoticed, disheartened, abandoned, and on the verge of giving up; look back and reminisce about the moments when you began to sense God's goodness amidst your despair. Can you remember how His Spirit brought to your mind the numerous occasions when God intervened in your life, providing you with renewed hope and confidence for the future?
In closing, the troublesome moments of despair we encounter on life's journey often hold valuable lessons that contribute significantly to our personal growth and spiritual maturity. By understanding and embracing these lessons, we can accept suffering as part of a larger divine plan rather than merely viewing it as an enemy. The lessons we learn as we suffer adversity equip us to find deeper meaning and purpose during our struggles and challenges.
MY CONCLUSION
"Do not despise the day of small beginnings” & “Little is much when God is in it" are powerful statements that serve as a source of encouragement for individuals who may feel sidelined or disheartened by their current situations. These two phrases speak volumes for those who may feel physically incapable of making a meaningful impression or believe that their contributions are too unimportant to matter.
This moving and uplifting message emphasizes the importance of every prayer offered, every act of kindness extended, and every moment spent in service working in God's kingdom. It encourages us to recognize that even the most minor efforts and undertakings can have a profoundly transformative impact when they align with God's purpose and will.
This inspirational message calls every believer to recognize their worth and potential effect within God’s plan. It challenges us to act and trust that our small contributions are valuable when placed in God's hands, which reminds me of a story of a man who loved to pitch horseshoes.
The predominantly southern US states have horseshoe pitching contests, just like some sports entertainment we watch daily, such as basketball, volleyball, etc. This man won the championships three years in a row. However, not everybody believed he was a champion because every time he attempted to throw a horseshoe around the stake in a small dug-out pit with a box around it, the shoes would go everywhere but the box where the stake was.
The man had a partner who could throw a ringer every time he pitched the shoes, which always caused them to win the championship. It did not matter how well the opposing team could throw their shoes; the man would throw his shoe and knock the opposing team's shoe away from the stake as his shoe went around the stake to win the game.
Despite the doubters, the man's victory was undeniable. He was part of a two-person team in a horseshoe pitching competition. His partner had an exceptional ability to consistently throw ringers, contributing to their team's winning the championship. Irrespective of the opposing team's skill level, the man's partner was skilled at strategically throwing his shoe to dislodge the opponent's shoe from the stake as his shoe circled it, securing victory for his team.
The moral of this story is that in my walk as a Christian, I take comfort in knowing that despite any challenges or setbacks I may face, I have a steadfast and victorious partner, the Spirit of the Living God, dwelling within me. His faithful presence is always ready to provide the strength and support I need to overcome every obstacle and challenge ahead.
Beloved, it may seem effortless for things to go with the natural flow of water downstream. However, it is crucial to recognize the significance of possessing genuine inner strength and unwavering determination to push against the current and propel oneself upstream in the opposite direction.
Beloved, the analogy of going downstream can represent people in our society who have chosen to live a lifestyle that is not in alignment with God's teachings. This lifestyle may involve drifting away from their faith and abandoning their moral values. It could also include engaging in behaviors and making choices that lead them further from their spiritual walk with God and the moral life they once held sacred.
In conclusion. as children of God, we are called to swim against the evil influences of this world, relying on God’s power and support. Our fellowship with other believers is crucial, as is maintaining a disciplined prayer life. This is not just a routine but a promising, fulfilling lifestyle that will equip us to face the unseen challenges ahead and lead us as believers toward spiritual growth and fulfillment in God’s will and purpose.
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
