Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…”
-Zechariah 4:10 (NKJV)
Most people struggle with getting started because the starting point can begin slowly and seem small. But Zachariah 4:10 implies that God greatly enjoys watching us get started and watching the process develop. We should not despise our small beginnings.
Pastor Eric recently read this truth, and shared it in this message, "So What Are You Going To Do About It?" When it comes to making a positive difference in the world, change occurs when someone, somewhere takes responsibility for changing himself or herself and takes action to help others change too. Without the actions of some person, somewhere change does not happen.
This is a powerful truth, because we all can identify problems in our lives. Maybe you’ve noticed a problem in your community, your family, or your church. Oftentimes after identifying the problem we have the thought "Someone should do something about this!" But I wonder if you've ever asked God what He would like you to do about it?
So what are you going to do about it?
“You will never be who you ought to be until you start doing what you ought to be doing.” -Pastor Eric Gilbert
Good intentions aren’t enough. Potential isn’t enough. We need to be people that do something and take action because God loves doers. You might remember this from last week's message, Hope Helpers, if we want to make a difference we have to begin doing things that make a difference.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. -James 1:22 (NKJV)
As Christians, we have divine help in making something happen! Why? Because of 1 John 4:4, Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. The force that is within us is greater than the force that is against us! We should not be discouraged by the enemy. He’s just a bully! We have the power to create change and influence change! We have the empowerment and the enabling of the Holy Spirit within us to begin to change our sphere of influence!
Pastor Eric encouraged us to start applying these 3 Starting Points to our lives TODAY to create change not only in our own lives but the lives of others:
Start Sharing Your Faith
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. -Acts 1:8 (KJV)
Start Being Generous
A man’s gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men. -Proverb 18:16 (NKJV)
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Trust God to do what you can’t, because God is able.
“When you feel a sense of conviction about an issue, start moving in the direction you believe it should go even when you are uncertain.” -John Maxwell
God does not subscribe to the ideology that we’ve paid our dues, and there is no final destination in this life. God wants to take us from glory to glory! Don’t get stuck on the question “What can I do about it?” Just start moving in the right direction. You can take what you’ve learned and the experiences you’ve gained and impact change!
That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping- believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “that’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham's faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead-and so was Sarah's womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this, he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. -Romans 4:17-21 (NLT)
Abraham never lost hope and believed in God’s promise. His faith only grew stronger and he brought glory to God. Isn’t this what we all want our life's testimony to be? That at the end of the day we brought glory to God because we knew that He was able! God is able! He will help us create and influence change.
Pastor Eric had some very encouraging reminders for us if we plan to live lives that bring God glory and avoid discouragement along the way:
God Enjoys Small Beginnings
Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” - Zechariah 4:10 NKJV
Keep Hoping Like Abraham
God is Able. Nothing is impossible when God gets involved.
The blessing of Abraham is available to anyone who believes. Check out this message, How to Receive & Respond to the Blessing of Abraham, to learn more about the promises of Abraham! Change may start slow and small, but if we keep hoping, God is able, and we will walk in a level of blessing greater than we can imagine or comprehend! Find hope in the fact that you are a child of the Most High God and you are blessed coming and going!
Many people will seek change, but never realize that they are empowered to be the change. Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world.
You have the power and God is able.
So what are you going to do about it?