Are you a fan of small beginnings? Do you relish those first, maybe awkward steps when trying something new? Maybe you love dreaming about what God could do with your single step of faith.
Well, today we’re talking about small beginnings in the context of shining for God. I am so pleased to introduce my sister (sister in Christ AND sister in blood), Carlie Lake, author of the blog, From Dust Towards the Heavens. Carlie pours out her heart in this week’s Shining Like Stars post all on the topic of embracing small beginnings.
Embracing the Gift of Small Beginnings
By Carlie Lake
When it comes to shining for God, sometimes we think it must be BIG . . . like a floodlight. We envision big platforms in which we reach far and wide for the sake of Christ. With our eyes and hearts set on the grand scale, we can sometimes forget the illuminating impact of a tiny candle in a room of darkness . . . the amazing impact of shining for Christ in the small, every day, mundane areas of our lives.
It’s just one drop we tell ourselves.
It seems so insignificant . . . so minuscule . . . so painfully small. One might even doubt its worth. Doubt the value one drop could add to an infinite sea . . . a vast sea of unrealized goals or plans, unlived dreams, ‘waiting-to-be-prayed’ prayers, unmet needs of a thirsty people.
But…
There is an amazing rippling beauty in just one tiny drop.
In a world where quantity is often a benchmark for success, we sometimes overlook the powerful impact and influence of one.
Yes, I know the feeling. I’ve been there. It’s September, and you’ve long since wandered away from your ‘this-time-it’s-going-to-be-different’ resolutions, your well-intentioned goals or the focus on your ‘one word’. You’re disappointed with yourself . . . again. Maybe this is the way it will always be you tell yourself, I might as well just accept it.
But . . .
it just takes one.
One choice to reject the lie, to refuse to be cloaked in the veil of failure . . . to forget what lies behind and forge forward . . . to believe that just for today . . . just for now . . . you can do it.
You can take one bite to a healthier you.
You can clear one cluttered spot in your home or office . . . perhaps just one drawer.
Just this once, you can choose one kind word.
But, what about those distant dreams that seem impossible to reach? Buried so deep below your responsibilities and excuses, they’re almost forgotten. Can one drop really make a difference here?
Yes, my friend! Just one step and the choice to believe that ‘one’ is powerful, that ‘one’ has great impact and influence, that ‘one’ brings you closer . . . spurs you on, lifts your spirits, and tells you it is possible.
Just focus on one.
I remember talking with my daughter about the plight of so many of the disenfranchised in our world and the feeling of helplessness expressed in her words, “But what can I do?”
Sometimes, I feel that same smallness . . . that same powerlessness weighed down by the prayer needs around me. There is so much to bring before the Lord that at times I just become overwhelmed.
But what if I start with just one prayer . . . one belief that my God hears. Right where I am, right now . . . what if I lifted one name before the Lord.
‘Granted, a set time and place for prayer is a desirable thing, but let that not blind us to the countless opportunities in a day when incidents, problems and even idle thoughts can be elevated to the level of prayer. The name of an old friend flits into mind during the lunch break. Need that name drop back again into the memory’s filing system without being lifted, even wordlessly, to God?’ Richard Bewes – ‘Talking About Prayer‘
It’s an awesome privilege partnering in the work of God . . . and it just takes one prayer . . . with eagle-eyed focus that our one God, who sees the many, loves the one and will draw close to him.
Oh, the amazing beauty of one. May we never despise these small beginnings.
Yes, there may be thousands . . . millions of souls needing to be fed, thirsty for hope, and we want to reach as many as possible. We want to grow our influence, but what if we focused on reaching just one?
Tweet ThisI say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Luke 15:7
Oh, that touches my heart, like nothing else in scripture, that God—the LORD Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth—should have such a heart . . . such a focus . . . such a love for just one . . . one soul . . . one sheep wandering from His path . . . that He would shed His blood to save just one.
Can’t you feel the thanks rising in you as you ponder that one simple truth?
So why not?
Make one call to the friend who is hurting?
Offer one meal to the man who is hungry?
Find one practical need and serve wholeheartedly?
Start with one.
No matter if you’re on the world stage or you’re at home, you can start with just one.
And in so doing, you can shine a little light in the darkness of this world.
May God be glorified.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25:40
‘For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.’ Ephesians 4:4
‘For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.’ Ephesians 4:4
How about you?
What one thought, action, prayer, person can you focus on today?
May God, in His power, wisdom and mercy abundantly bless your one.
We’ve been featured!
By the way, we thought you’d like to know that this post has been featured as a favorite post by Tammy of CreativeKKids on her Thoughtful Thursdays linkup and by Maree Dee at Embracing the Unexpected’s Grace & Truth Link-up. Thank you so much, Tammy and Maree Dee!
Meet Carlie
Carlie is a Caribbean-living Christian, wife of 28 years and mother of two teens. A clinical pharmacist turned home-educator, she has embraced the adventure of a life lived well for God and longs to display His splendor in her everyday walk.
Connect with Carlie at her blog From Dust Towards the Heavens where she writes about her adventures with God. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.
This post is part of the Shining Like Stars series. Read all of them here.
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This is such an encouraging truth. We can get so overwhelmed with the big needs and tasks. But all we need to do is take the next one step God wants us to.
Thanks for this encouragement. Even small steps do matter. I’m reminded of Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” They were rebuilding the Temple and it must have been a huge task but God was pleased just to see them make a start.
Isn’t that such great advice for us today too? We start, God finishes! What a blessing.
Thanks for joining the conversation, Lesley.
I was that one wandering sheep. Praise the Lord for small beginnings, Carlie! Thanks for posting, Marva!
Pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
And praise the Lord for drawing each one of us close to Him. Just to think it started with just One — our Savior!
Carlie and Marva –
I love this post! I am not going to comment much here because I am going to feature you this Friday on Grace & Truth Link-Up. Thank you! It is so important to remember it only takes one small step.
Maree
Awww, thanks, Maree. Talk about a double blessing!
We appreciate you, friend.
Such an encouragement! Thank you!
You’re very welcome, Elizabeth. We’re so grateful you could stop by.
Blessings!
Such a beautiful, encouraging post! We can make a difference if we remember to take one small step at a time. Starting small is often the best strategy. Water can wear away a huge rock one drop at a time.
That is so true, Laurie. Our little bit can make a big difference when God is in it!
Carlie, Thank you so much for this insightful post that reminds us there is nothing insignificant about anything we do, no matter how small, for the Glory of God and His Kingdom.
Blessings,
Thank you, Karen! It helps to remember when we’re feeling small that nothing we do for God’s glory is insignificant. Thanks for summarizing it so nicely.
We can accomplish great things for the Lord when we remember it simply takes one small step at a time. Beautiful, Carlie!
God bless!
Yes, thank you, Martha! One small step at a time!
“One choice to reject the lie, to refuse to be cloaked in the veil of failure . . . to forget what lies behind and forge forward . . . to believe that just for today . . . just for now . . . you can do it.” Yes! I’m a huge fan of “just for today.” It’s gotten me through a lot of things. The Lord is always present in THIS day, and tomorrow he will be present in that day. Thanks!
Thank you, Lisa! Recently I changed my phone lock screen from ‘God is here’ to add ‘and He never leaves’. It was a reminder that just at this moment no matter what is happening I can be assured that God is with me. I have a far way to go, but I’m learning how to rest in the now with Him.
This word is so powerful. We often forget about the power of one. Thank you for showing me and reminding me how God needs us to influence the world – ONE person at a time.
Thanks, Brittany. It’s a reminder I needed as well, to give the person I’m with at the moment my fullest attention. To remember amid the distractions to show them a little of God’s light. Blessings!
Always so much fun to partner with you, Marv! Thanks for inviting me along for this encouraging series!
The honour and pleasure are mine, my sister. I’m always happy to share your Spirit-filled words.
Blessings to you!