Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.

 Zechariah 4:10

We are always in a rush. We want to hurry through processes, just to get to the end goal. We strive for results, we want the rewards. But without the foundations of anything important, without the small, often slow beginnings, the desired end result would be impossible. Farmers could never harvest if they expected their seeds to yield a crop overnight. Builders wouldn’t dream of building a house without first building a firm foundation. And teachers certainly don’t teach 5-year-olds to read by handing them copies of Moby Dick or Hamlet. If the small beginnings aren’t given time, growth doesn’t happen.

The same is true in relationships. They build over time, and as communication and trust grow, so do the relationships. Your relationship with Jesus is the same way: it starts small. Trust is built over time. Without communication, without prayer, it doesn’t stand a chance. Jesus communicates with you through His Word - the Bible. He may speak to you through sermons, through people, and through music. And sometimes He speaks in the quietness of your heart when you are still enough to listen. As you put in the time and effort to grow in your relationship, your faith grows.

Sometimes it may feel like your faith is slow or even stuck, but just keep swimming. Dedicate specific time to prayer and seeking Jesus’ heart through Scripture. Everyone is at different places in their faith, so don’t compare your chapter 1 with someone else’s chapter 20. Those chapter 20 people also started with chapter 1. Remember that God rejoices because you started! He celebrates your process, and He delights in your progress, not just the end result. He will move in and through you anytime you take steps of faith and obedience. Be faithful with what is small, and God will use it BIG! You are loved!

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