One Small Step For A Man

Zechariah 4:10 "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hand." (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the LORD that search all around the world.)

Despise not the day of small beginnings. God is big enough to work with small things. The power of life in a small seed, able to break up hard dirt and move rocks, is no different from the power of life in a word spoken into a person's heart and mind, changing the intent and purpose of all they do, giving the power to break old habits and patterns, and form new ones.

Making a choice is a small thing, but it leads to results greater than can be measured outside of eternity. A close relationship with God, one that brings personal change and growth, one that spontaneously generates heartfelt praise and worship of the Lord, one that produces a lifestyle demonstrating God's loving and giving nature is started, and maintained, by small daily, hourly, moment by moment decisions.

Likewise, failure at a time of testing, something that is common to us all, is never a matter of rejecting God outright. When I mistake what God wants at a crucial point in my life, it is not because I have rejected God's work in my life. Rather, it is because I have failed, over multiple times, to do what I should have in little choices like how to spend my time or where to turn my thoughts. By not feeding in God's spirit and word, I end up not having the strength to press the attack when the enemy makes an onslaught, or even to stand firm in the faith I have already gained.

God has grace. He understands our weaknesses and frailties. He does not condone slipshod performance, but neither does He condemn failures. He does not judge by outward action, but by inward intent. He knows the heart of man. As long as our hearts are toward Him, He will patiently, willingly, work with us. As soon as someone's heart is turned away from Him, desiring the darkness rather than pressing toward the light, that person draws from a different source, and no one can serve two masters.

But it is not a matter of how far a person has traveled from the throne; rather, it is a matter of which way we are facing. As long as we desire God's will, His light will shine through our lives and be a beacon to others around. The closer we are to Him the brighter the light shines, but regardless how bright or dim the light is, no amount of darkness can put out a single gleam. God's light and life can always overcome darkness and death. It only takes a choice. And that is something we can do.

Gracious Father, thank You for Your ever ready, ever willing, ever able, grace and love which changes hearts that are open and accepting. You send Your angels throughout the world to minister to each person who seeks after You, who cries out to You, who hungers for You, for You rule in the midst of Your enemies. We put action to our words of thanks by accepting Your guidance and direction today, looking with Your eyes to see the value of people over their appearance, listening with Your ears to hear the hearts of people over their words.

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