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

~Zechariah 4:10a NLT

Have you ever become discouraged by the baby steps needed to begin a project, even before you start?

The magnitude of the task can almost overwhelm us.  We look at our small beginnings–our tiny, awkward baby steps in the right direction–and often fall prey to the lie that success is impossible. 

Whether starting a new diet, beginning a course of study, trying a new exercise regimen, fighting an addiction, or cleaning out a closet, a cost comes with anything worth pursuing.  And the sense of accomplishment we look for only comes by effort.

Are you overwhelmed and discouraged, even before the day begins?  Are the memories of yesterday’s struggles stealing your hope for today?  Pray with me.

Father, as the brilliant hues of sunrise bring an over-arching sense of promise to morning, give us fresh eyes to perceive the day. Illuminate our forgotten dreams that have grown dim, and breathe fresh life into our passion to pursue them. Remind us why we started on this road in the beginning. 

Give us ears to hear You calling us to a higher place (Philippians 3:14)—a place of reward reserved for those who pursue You, Your kingdom (Hebrews 11:6), and our God-given purpose. We ask that You direct the small beginnings of this day by Your Spirit so that renewed vision counters every whisper of discouragement.

And this evening, as we rest our heads on our pillows and recount the day, we ask that You replace the discouragement of the morning with the joy of accomplishment. We further ask that our satisfaction will infuse our tomorrow with hope.   

For many, yesterday was their last day. Life is but a vapor, but we thank You for blessing us with yet another day. 

How can you treat each day as a gift from God?

Lord Jesus, thank You for another day. May I embrace it with joy as Your gift. And may how I spend it be my gift to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 222: Baby Steps: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly: All Rights Reserved