Ever see the task in front of you as too big? Maybe it is so big you don’t know where to start? Or, maybe you do make a running start at it only to be discouraged about the seemingly insignificant impact your start has made. You look at the progress you’ve made and the mountain in front of you and lose hope or give up. This is often my mindset when it comes to the concept of Unified Simplicity, or when I think of trying to raise my kids to be Godly young men. It can be overwhelming and discouraging!
If God has laid something on your heart & mind, let me encourage you today to get started on it. If it is from God, it may indeed be a huge task, something you don’t feel like you can do.
You’re right…you can’t. But God wants you to get started…
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand. – Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)
Remember that Zerubbabel was tasked with rebuilding the temple after the Israelites returned from captivity. He must have gotten discouraged with the monumental size of the task, and God encouraged him not to give up or “despise” the progress that had been made. In fact, God says that He loved just knowing the work had begun. He loved to see the “plumb line” in Zerubbabel’s hand. The plumb line would be a very basic tool used to make sure the walls were straight. But to see it in his hand meant the work had started.
We must be faithful to start a task God has given us, even if it is a small start. When we do, He will rejoice over that start, and He will provide the big finish.
Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’” Zechariah 4:6-7 (NLT)
So, whatever that mountain is in front of you, I encourage you today to get started. Prayerfully consider one small thing you could do, and then do it. God will rejoice over your start! Better yet, God will provide the big finish that He desires!
2 comments
Robin says:
September 7, 2010 at 9:15 am (UTC -5 )
Ditto Rob. I don’t know if it’s appropriate to apply Biblical concepts to non-spiritual work, but we have started moving our belongings in order to auction our house and are praying to see God’s hand in it for His purposes and His glory!!!
Rob says:
September 7, 2010 at 8:01 am (UTC -5 )
Exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Thanks Tom. I’m getting started now!