The days of little beginnings
Good morning, brethren, I would like to share a brief exhortation on the topic “The days of little beginnings.” Our anchor Scripture is Zechariah 4:10 “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin.” As today is my birthday, I have been reflecting on some important events and seasons in my life—particularly those seasons I must never forget: the days of little beginnings. There were times when I had little or nothing. There were seasons of serious lack, sickness, pain, uncertainty, and moments when I needed help but could not find it. Even some family members and people I expected to stand with me were unable to help. Not necessarily because they refused, but perhaps because it was not within their ability or because they simply did not have enough to give. Yet, through all those difficult seasons, God never abandoned me. I believe some, if not all, of us can identify with this in one way or another. The Bible reminds us in Deuteronomy 8:2 to remember the whole journey through which the Lord led His people. Our difficult seasons are not meant to make us bitter; they should make us grateful. When we remember where God brought us from, we begin to understand that where we are today is not merely the result of our strength, wisdom, or ability. It is evidence of God’s mercy, faithfulness, and love.
The Bible gives us many examples of people whom God brought from difficult beginnings into places of purpose and blessing. In Exodus 3:7–8 and Deuteronomy 6:10–12, we see how the Israelites were once slaves in Egypt. They had no freedom and no ability to deliver themselves. But God heard their cries and brought them out with His mighty hand. We also see the story of David in 1 Samuel 16:11–13 and Psalm 78:70–72. David was a shepherd boy, overlooked even by his own family. Yet God saw him when others did not. He took him from the sheepfold and eventually made him king. As believers, we should remember those seasons—the days when nobody saw much in us, when resources were scarce, when opportunities seemed limited, and when we wondered how things would ever change. God saw us when others did not, Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” There were times when people could not help us, but God came through for us. When we were sick, He sustained us. When we were in pain, He gave us strength to continue. When doors were closed, He opened other doors. When we had little, He provided what we needed. When we felt alone, He reminded us that He was near. My testimony—and I believe it can be the testimony of many of us—is simply this It was the Lord who sustained us. It was the Lord who carried us. King David declared in Psalm 37:25 “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread. We should never forget Who brought us through, Scripture continually encourages us to give God the glory for where He has brought us. Moses warned Israel not to forget God when they entered their season of abundance. In Deuteronomy 8:18, he said “Remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.” There is a danger that can come when life improves, we can begin to think, “I did it myself.” But humility says “If it had not been for the Lord, I would not be here.”
The story of Joseph is another powerful example. He went from the prison to the palace (Genesis 41:39–41). Ruth went from being a poor widow to becoming part of the lineage of King David. These stories remind us that God can completely transform a person’s circumstances. Therefore, when God lifts us, blesses us, promotes us, or increases us, we must never forget our beginnings. How can we give God glory for where He has brought us? First, remember His faithfulness, remember your journey and the seasons God brought you through. Second, give God thanks. Psalm 107:1 says “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Third, remain humble, acknowledge that every blessing, opportunity, achievement, and open door ultimately came through God’s grace. Fourth, testify of God’s goodness. Psalm 66:16 says “Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul.” Tell others what God has done for you. And perhaps there is another reason God allows us to remember our difficult beginnings: so that we can become a source of encouragement and help to others who are still struggling. When we remember what it felt like to have little, to be rejected, to be in pain, to need help, or to wonder how we would make it through, we can develop compassion for those who are currently walking through similar seasons. God can use our testimony to encourage someone else. In conclusion, never be ashamed of your days of little beginnings. Those difficult days can become part of your testimony - the sickness, the pain, the lack, the rejection, the closed doors, the uncertainty, and even the seasons when you had no one to turn to—all of these can remind you of one great truth: God was there. God is here. And God will continue to be there. If God brought us through yesterday, we can trust Him with today and tomorrow. Therefore, let us continually say “I remember where I came from. I remember who helped me. And I will never take God’s goodness for granted.”
As the Psalmist declared in Psalm 103:2 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.” May we never forget the days of little beginnings, because they remind us of the greatness of the God who brought us through them. Kindly let us pray: Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness throughout every season of my life. I acknowledge that if it had not been for You, I would not be where I am today. May my heart never forget Your goodness, in Jesus name. Father, thank You for being my help when people could not help me. Help me to always recognise You as my source, my strength, and my helper, in Jesus name. Father, keep me from becoming proud because of what I have achieved. Let me never take credit for what Your grace has accomplished in my life. May all glory return to You, in Jesus name. Father, I surrender my past, present, and future to You. Thank You for the days of little beginnings—for every door You opened, every battle You helped me overcome, every provision You made, and every time You strengthened me when I had no strength. Help me to remain grateful in every season, according to 1 Thessalonians 5:18, in Jesus name. To God alone be all the glory for His love, mercy, provision, faithfulness, and unfailing help. Amen! Our Worker’s meeting begins at 10:00am and the Service starts at 10:30am. God blessings – Mike