Do Not despise small beginnings
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” Zechariah 4:10 NLT
When you think about the wellness goals you made for 2023, do you feel overwhelmed? Maybe you had a lot of weight to lose, or a long way to go to get fit and strong, to recover from an illness or injury, or to get back into a healthy routine.
In Zechariah 4:10, God urged His people not to “despise the day of small beginnings.” They had returned to their homeland after years in exile, only to find the temple in ruins, destroyed by their enemies. The task of rebuilding felt utterly
and completely overwhelming. They were starting off defeated, still grieving the loss of what used to be.
But God told them to do their best. He said not to look down on those first steps, not to grow discouraged by the enormity of the task, or feel like their accomplishments were paltry, their efforts feeble. The work they had begun might seem insignificant to them – but He was in it. He would give them the strength to finish the task. And one day, they would stand back in awe at the beauty of what they had built together — by His grace, in His strength, and for His glory.
You know, you and I are building or rebuilding a temple, too —our bodies— “the temple of the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 6:19) God calls us to care for this temple as best we can, as faithfully and your-antibiotics.com.
Sometimes our little efforts might not seem like much to us. But God sees our hearts. He sees our desire to honor Him. And He can bless and multiply our efforts in ways we can’t even begin to imagine. One day, we, too, will stand back in awe at all that God has accomplished in us and through us… if we don’t despise the day of small beginnings!
What is the next small step He’s calling you to take today?
by Christin Ditchfield Lazo
Christin Ditchfield Lazo is the author of What Women Should Know About Letting It Go: Breaking Free from the Power of Guilt, Discouragement, and Defeat and many other books, including a number of First Place 4 Health Bible Studies, such as Finding Your Victory and A New Beginning. Learn more at www.ChristinDitchfield.com and connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.
Body and Soul® Fitness is an international Christian fitness organization that trains and equips instructors to lead a variety of group fitness programs including choreographed aerobics-style Cardio Strength & Flexibility™, cardio dance style Dance Blast™, free-weights-focused Power Strength™, boot camp style FIT360™ and Longevity FIT360™, and GOLD™ - lower impact programming for participants that are pregnant, have weight challenges, injuries, or other medical conditions. These exercise classes meet in church gyms, community centers, gymnasiums, parking lots, schools, etc. across the United States, Europe, and Africa. In-person and virtual fitness classes are available.
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