Baby Steps

BABY STEPS

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin,“ - Zechariah‬ ‭4:10‬a NLT‬‬

Have you ever become discouraged by a project even before you started? In the beginning, it is tempting to become overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the task.  We look at our small beginnings, our tiny, awkward baby steps in the right direction, and often fall prey to the lie that to succeed is impossible.

Whether starting a new diet, a course of study, exercise, fighting an addiction or just cleaning out a closet, the truth is that what is worth pursuing comes at a cost.  And the sense of accomplishment we look for only comes by way of effort.

Beloved, are you overwhelmed and discouraged, even before today has started?  Are the memories of yesterday’s struggles stealing from the promise and hope of today?

Father, as the brilliant hues of sunrise bring a over-arching sense of promise to morning, give us fresh eyes with which 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 (Phil 3:14) — a place of reward reserved for those who pursue You, Your kingdom (Heb 11:6) and our God-given purpose.  We ask that the small beginnings of this day will be directed by Your Spirit, and that every whisper of discouragement will be countered with renewed vision.

And this evening, as we rest our heads on our pillows and recount the day, we ask that the discouragement of morning will have been replaced by joy in what was accomplished, and that the satisfaction we feel will infuse our tomorrow with hope.  

Lord, thank You for another day.  For many yesterday was their last.  Life is but a vapor, but we have been blessed with yet another day.  May we embrace it with joy as a gift.  And may how we spend it be our gift in return to You.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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