“Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” Zechariah 4:10 (New International Version, NIV)

My mom was a very prophetic person- Holy Spirit showed her things to come and they consistently came to pass. So, when she admonished me, “Don’t despise small beginnings,” I paid attention.

Why does God tell us this? Because He typically starts small and then increases us. Jesus Himself was born in a small town called Bethlehem. Bethlehem, if you aren’t aware, means house of God. Jesus started out small and grew into the huge role He would play as Savior of the world.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Luke 2:52 (KJV)

If Jesus had to start small, why do we think we can bypass the process of growing into what God has for us? As we start out, we are to stay faithful and grow to where God can use us. The key is to start where we are, and God will grow us and use us to give life to others. Use what you’ve got and He will increase it. Remember- little things grow into big things. The huge oak tree started with a little acorn.

So, plant yourself in God’s kingdom and in your own community. Allow yourself to be used there and God will grow you and your influence, just as He did Jesus. Be the seed that is planted and grows to become a gigantic tree of righteousness, making a big difference for the kingdom.

Jesus offered Himself on the cross, and He was planted in the ground. He was resurrected to bring many sons to glory. God will do the same for anyone who dies to self, plants himself where he is, and allows God to raise him up. If we don’t despise small beginnings and allow God to grow us the way He sees fit, we will bring many into the Kingdom of Heaven.