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Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.
Zechariah 4:10 NLT

Dear sisters, we’ve certainly run the gauntlet, haven’t we? We have survived turkey dinners, pumpkin pie desserts, carols, trees, cards, paper, shopping, ribbons and bows and so much more. Certainly, there have been some joyful experiences through it all, for Thanksgiving and the celebration of the birth of our Savior are indeed days to be met with gladness. Yet, each of us knows that silent “missing” that is within our hearts.

Now, as we quietly slide into January, hoping for some rest for our weary hearts, we are bombarded with resolutions, life style changes, new diets, organizing tips and the sense of “we’ve got to get our act together” because it’s a New Year. Perhaps you have even had words spoken to you such as “You need to get on with your life – it’s a New Year” or “Don’t you think you should be doing better by now?” Perhaps, you have even said those words silently to yourself.

As I have been interceding for you these last few weeks and praying for a message of encouragement to give you, the Lord brought to mind this verse from Zechariah –“Do not despise these small beginnings”. After doing a bit of research, I was awed at what I discovered.

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 500 years before the birth of Christ the Israelites returned from exile to Jerusalem to find it in shambles. The temple was destroyed, as was most of the city. Everything needed to be rebuilt. They began the rebuilding process only to become discouraged and overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. This went on for several years – the cycle of starting and stopping and starting once again. They became very discouraged at the slow progress and were upset. Into the midst of their distress God graciously sent His prophet Zechariah with this message – “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin” Wow! God did not tell them they should be further along or that they should have accomplished more! No! He said “I am glad to see the work begin!”.

Indeed, grieving and rebuilding a life is genuine work – and God says to us today, “I am glad to see the work begin”. He alone knows the timetable for each of us and He promises in His Word that “He will work out His plans for our life” Psalm 138:8, and in Philippians 1:6 “God started a good work in you and He will continue it”.

Do not be discouraged that you are not “further along” than you think you should be – for whatever “small beginnings” you have attempted are not despised by God. He is rejoicing that you have begun the work.

We are now into the “small beginnings” of a new year – just a few days worth by the time you read this – and God is rejoicing that we have chosen life and have begun the work of rebuilding.

He understands that there will be tears and sorrow and “missing”, and He knows there will be times of discouragement. He holds hurting hearts in His gentle hands soothing them gently with the words, “I am glad to see the work begin”.

God promises to never leave us or forsake us during this rebuilding and His promise is solid.

Dear Father, sometimes when we look to the future we become so overwhelmed with what is yet to be done that we forget to look back at what we have already accomplished. All that we are and all that we will be is in Your hands alone. Remind us, please, in our times of discouragement of the words You spoke to Joshua when he too was faced with moving on and felt overwhelmed: “Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for I the Lord Your God, will be with you wherever you go”. (Joshua 1:9) Amen