SCRIPTURAL REFERENECES
(Zechariah 4:10) "For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice 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 16:10) He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”
(Matthew13:31-32) Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:” 32 “Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.”
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), the text speaks of 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 about change in the world and to act as a catalyst or vessel for God's purpose.
Notice that as the small cloud grows, it gradually transforms into a black cloud, symbolizing the power of God's grace at work through people who acknowledge and understand God's purpose in their lives. These people become agents of change, recognizing the purpose that drives the vision they feel is always out of reach and is, in fact, closer to reality.
"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 by God's power, can have a far-reaching impact on those 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 vivid illustration of God's divine power and provision, revealing how a small offering can be multiplied abundantly through grace, providing nourishment for many.
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 prevented 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?
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 summary, 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.
"EMBRACING SMALL BEGINNINGS."
Living 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 that cultivate a mindset of perseverance and resilience, leading to more sustainable and meaningful long-term achievements.
Most noteworthy accomplishments result from leaders taking what we call baby steps. The truth is: God honors our faith and actions at the beginning of what we wish to accomplish. Just as drawing up blueprints before building a house requires dedication, persistence, and patience, anything worthwhile will need to be saturated in prayer.
People often struggle when they are around others bragging about their church ministries, especially when their own ministry is small compared to others'. They sometimes get the mindset that they can't make an impact on their community until they are larger.
This message directly counters such negative thinking: I can tell you from experience that God values the start and the faithfulness involved in it, and starting small is essential for learning and growth, because it provides an opportunity to experiment and gain valuable insights without fear of costly mistakes.
Recognizing and appreciating the value of small beginnings often demands "spiritual eyes." This could be referred to as the unseen realm. Unveiling this supernatural realm, allows us to see beyond physical circumstances to see God's invisible hand at work revealing that His methods frequently differ from society's expectations of grandeur and influence.
While the world tends to celebrate outward success and visible power, genuine growth and worth often emerge quietly, rooted in humble beginnings. Embracing this viewpoint reminds us that even outstanding achievements usually start with small, unnoticed baby steps.
The timetable for growth set by God may not always align with our human expectations. This can be challenging, but recognizing and accepting the difference in timing can lead to a deeper sense of trust and faith in personal development.
Throughout history, persecution has 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.
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 the limits of their human strength, and their sole source of hope was their unwavering faith in God.
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 hope we may be clinging to, leaving us with nothing but our faith in God.
God is known to allow circumstances and trials to come against a man or woman He has chosen for a special ministry, including placing them in situations where they cannot win on their own. However, when we come to the end of ourselves and sink until we have no hope in our human strength, the victory of the cross come into shining view.
God never promised us a life without discomfort, discouragement, and even depression. Still, He promised to be with us through it all, and we can find comfort in knowing that God is faithful and that His word declares He is always present to help us in times of trouble. If you ever feel overwhelmed by a situation, take comfort in knowing you can endure it.
Despite the results we see from our efforts, it is essential to maintain trust, recognizing that God is constantly at work behind the scenes, guiding and shaping our lives to align with His divine purposes. Therefore, with each small victory, you strengthen your confidence, which in turn builds your faith to believe God for the impossible, making you more flexible and better able to embrace new challenges.
In summary, attempting to meet 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. With that said the question comes down to: Do you trust Him., and are you committed to the cause?
"UNCOVERING DIVINE BLESSINGS WITHIN THE DARKNESS."
Is it not true that despair can sometimes weigh down on us like a heavy weight, making it difficult to see the light of hope and joy? However, we must remember that even in this darkness, there is hope. It is like the deep calling unto the deep.
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."
Discovering blessings within moments of despair is a challenging journey that requires a compassionate acknowledgment of your emotions. It’s important to fully feel and understand these feelings without allowing self-judgment to overshadow your experience.
Instead of letting past mistakes define you, reflect on them as opportunities for growth and learning. By embracing this mindset, you can uncover valuable insights and strengths that emerge from even the darkest times, ultimately leading to healing and renewed hope.
Dear Saints of God, 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, honored enough to be inducted into God’s Hall of Fame, faced 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.
Think about the times when you felt unnoticed, disheartened, abandoned, and on the verge of giving up; look back and remember the moments when you began to sense God's goodness amid your despair. Can you remember how His Spirit brought to mind the numerous times God intervened in your life, renewing your hope and confidence for the future?
In summary, 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 from adversity equip us to find deeper meaning and purpose in our struggles.
MY CONCLUSION
"Do not despise the day of small beginnings” and “Little is much when God is in it" are powerful statements that serve as sources of encouragement for people who may feel sidelined or disheartened by their current situations. Therefore, these two phrases speak volumes to those who may feel physically incapable of making a meaningful impression or who believe 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 smallest efforts 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 hold horseshoe pitching contests, much like the sports entertainment we watch daily, such as basketball and volleyball. This man won the championships three years in a row. However, not everybody believed he was a champion because every time he tried to throw a horseshoe around the stake in a small dugout pit with a box around it, the shoes would go everywhere but into the box where the stake was.
The man had a partner who could throw a ring every time he pitched the shoes, which always helped them win the championship. It did not matter how well the opposing team could throw their shoes; the man would throw his shoe, knock the opposing team's shoe away from the stake, and then his shoe would go 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 championship win. 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 with God, 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.
Notice how easy it is for things to go with the natural flow of water downstream. However, it is crucial to recognize the importance of genuine inner strength and unwavering determination to push against the current and propel oneself upstream.
The analogy of going downstream can represent people in our society who have chosen a lifestyle that is not aligned 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 unseen challenges ahead and lead us, as believers, toward spiritual growth and fulfillment in God’s will and purpose.
MY CLOSING PRAYER
Dear Lord, thank you for the opportunity to close this message with a prayer to all who need your touch. I ask that you bless each who has surrendered their life more to your purpose through this message and intensify the work that you have begun in their lives and ministries.
Lord, I ask that you bless them spiritually, financially, physically, relationally, and emotionally so that their life may be blessed to enrich the lives of others. Lord, from this day forward, I ask that your will, your purpose, your word, and your Spirit will have a free course in their life and everyone that they meet, and Lord, I ask in Jesus' mighty name that you will touch, heal, and deliver all that read this prayer and call upon your wonderful name, that you will meet their need right where they are.
Father, I pray that all curses and words spoken against them will be broken. I ask that you stand up in them in these last days and make their lives count for your cause and purpose. Lord, as you awaken the gifts and talents placed in them from birth, may they become unified in the faith with other believers, realizing the need to work together in harmony like a fine-tuned orchestra in the master's hands.
Lord, my prayer is that you stir us up and burden our hearts for true revival, yes, Lord, in every country throughout the world and demonstrate to the people in these countries that you are the Unchanging God, for your word declares it, that what you were yesterday, you are today, and will be tomorrow! (Hebrews 13:8)
Dear Lord, I ask you to awaken the gifts and talents placed in them at birth so they may become unified in the faith with other believers, realizing the need to work together in harmony, like a finely tuned orchestra in the master's hands.
Father, I pray for all who need deliverance from an oppressing spirit, including illnesses that may be attacking their bodies. Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit would raise a standard against these attacks and set them free.
Lord, I pray that the power of your written and spoken word be activated through the authority made available to us in Jesus' name. We apply the following scriptures to our prayer.
(John 16:23) "And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you."
(Psalms 34:15) "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."
Father, we close our prayer believing that you have heard and answered us according to your divine will and purpose, for it is in Jesus' mighty name that we pray and ask these favors. A-Men & A-Men
International Evangelist
Jerry W. Hulse, Ph.D.
Miracle Life Church International
