Small Beginnings, but Big God
Are you starting something new in your life? It's easy to be intimidated by the size of a new project, a job change, a brand new baby or a housekeeping goal. You might be thinking, What have I gotten myself into??
I think that every time I stand in front of a blank wall with a paint brush in my hand. How am I going to pull this one off? I'm torn by self-doubt and fear of failure.
This week, I'll start a different type of work project that I've never done before. I feel small and insufficient. I lack the talent and the degree to be fully confident in myself.
But maybe that's where God wants me. Insufficient in my own strength and fully dependent on His.
When the task seems too big, a small start seems awfully insignificant. But God rejoices to see the work begin when we commit our plans and ways to Him. Our job is to take that first step and let God do His part by seeing us through to the end.
Even if you've started before and failed, use today to take another run at it. It takes work and patience to begin something new, and this is no different. Respect the process of learning and growing, and then allow Him to give you the grace to succeed.
Today's Small Thing is to print off Zech. 4:10 and put it where you can see it. When you start feeling discouraged, use it to remind you that God is working in you, helping you and rejoicing over you.
Don't worry about the outcome--remember, that's HIS job!
POINTS: 30 for putting April's verse up somewhere
How can we pray for each other this week? Feel free to let your Company Girls know.
DONE!
Posted by: Stacey p | April 07, 2008 at 05:18 AM
Just printed it off. Will trim the print out in a moment when I fetch scissors from the other room and am going to stick it up fright on my computer desk.
It's funny because I was already planning (after long conversations with hubby over the weekend about needing his support in it rather than sabotage) to start again at the healthy eating and weight loss stuff.
As far as prayer is concerned. I have sort of been offered a position at my church that I have dreamed of for years! Now reality sets in. The church leader still has one of the trustees to run it past (they've been away), and he still has to write my job description. If you could pray that the right thing is done as far as that job description goes and that it is not unreasonable, that would be brilliant.
Posted by: zoe | April 07, 2008 at 05:34 AM
That was easy! I get so lost sometimes because so many things I have to deal with seem so big. The reminders that little steps still reach the end is very encouraging.
Posted by: daydreamer | April 07, 2008 at 05:44 AM
Oh I really needed to here this verse today. I need prayers that I make it through my son's I.E.P. meeting at school Wednesday. The teacher he has this year just rubs me the wrong way. Thanks everyone.
;)
Posted by: Dawn | April 07, 2008 at 08:58 AM
What a great verse... and what a great picture to go with it! This is right where I am right now! With my little tiny baby (one month old today!), I am doubting everything. We are having some feeding troubles... namely many of them coming back up! I need to remember that these are simply small beginnings!... and that God rejoices in them... as will I!
Thanks!
Posted by: Babychaser | April 07, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Thanks I needed that. The last few days have been crazy and I feel like I have a million things to do to catch up. I read your post, took a deep breath, printed the verse and put it up right by my computer where I will be sure to see it over and over again. I'm making a list of the things I need to do and doing one at a time, stopping when I need to, and not stressing out.
Posted by: thecoolmom | April 07, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Oh, me! I really need prayer. I'm feeling stretched pretty thin right now. I am helping two families quite a bit this month (my neighbors, and my sister), and we just discovered that our house has termites.
Did I already say that I really need prayer? :)
Posted by: Tonggu Momma | April 07, 2008 at 10:14 AM
What a timely verse! I could use prayers..as can everyone I'm sure! I am beginning a new job as a preschool director and teacher (I have been a SAHM for 8 years!). I am in the process of getting our preschool certification amended to include more children. There are mountains of paperwork and inspections that need to be made. I just don't know where to start...I guess with form #1! Small steps, one at a time. Thanks for your encouragement!
Blessings-Andie
PS...I will print this verse and put it in the front of my notebook!
Posted by: Andie | April 07, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Love the verse. If you would pray for my dd 3, she may have had some seizures late last week and we are awaiting results. Not exactly a small thing but I would appreciate your prayers.
Posted by: JennyT | April 07, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Absolutely love the verse and the print...it's gorgeous!
Thanks for the reminder!
Posted by: Helen | April 07, 2008 at 10:41 AM
Printed, and will be hung soon. My prayer request is that I have the wisdom to prioritize my many tasks in the way that God wants me to. It's so easy for me to get lost in the minutiae, especially when I haven't had enough sleep.
Thanks for the beautiful artwork!
Posted by: Lundie | April 07, 2008 at 10:59 AM
It sounds like there are big and small projects going on all over the place. Daydreamer...that is a big one! I feel for ya on that (dealing with my son's school, too).
I've got a couple going on.
The big one is figuring out what direction God wants me to go in re. my son's education (current school, open classroom, or homeschool). I'm kinda excited yet scared about the idea of homeschooling, but if that's where He wants us, then we will go and do our best at it!
The small one is planning (spending lots of money on!) my bathroom remodel. It was done in the 60s and has CARPET in it right now. We've been saving up money to get it done (yet doesn't seem like enough now).
I think that while we are saying a prayer for the things that we know about in our own lives...we can say a prayer for all of the Company Girls at the same time...dealing with and taking on a multitude of things! It can be done in a minute, I think...and right now.
I like the quote! This was a perfect time for me as it seems like for many to have that as our message for today! Thanks!
Posted by: Amy | April 07, 2008 at 01:26 PM
What a timely reminder, thank you. The illustration is beautiful.
Posted by: AndieH | April 07, 2008 at 01:34 PM
I printed the scripture and put it in a frame on my microwave. I hope you don't mind me displaying your hard work in a decorative manner Rachel Anne! I have done this every month for three months now. I look at it a hundred times a day, and have it memorized by the end of the month.
As for prayer, I need the discipline to stay with my Bible reading plan. I have started before and then I just put it last on my list. I need to be in the Word or I get burnt out.
Have a good week ladies!
Posted by: Melissa Holgate | April 07, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Thanks Rachel, I printed it out and put it on my mirror...I also have a prayer request...I seem to be 'floundering', I don't know where or what I'm supposed to be doing right now... job transfer brought us to this community and I am not settling in (2 YEARS)...never had that problem before, so all aspects of life are dull and bland...oops, just a small quick prayer...didn't mean to write a novel...Lifting up all my Company Girls in prayer too.
Posted by: Bella | April 07, 2008 at 06:43 PM
April's verse is beautiful. I am putting mine up at work so I can see it several times a day.
Posted by: forgetfulone | April 07, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I'm finally getting back over here to post my comment, but I've started putting the verse as my desktop picture for each month - a great way to get it in front of my multiple times a day. :)
Posted by: stephanie | April 11, 2008 at 08:02 AM