Yes, I am walking on a beam of wood and a sense of balance is not my strong point. Did I make it, across? You’ll have to either read my article or listen to the podcast and find out.
Why am I on that beam of wood? The photo represents a small beginning to years of writings. It’s sometimes good to see how far one has come and continue to press forward.
When it comes to any long term project, it is easy to become discouraged; especially if you have a ton of other priorities in your life. For me, it would be my writings. Zechariah 4:10 says we should not despise small beginnings.
This morning, I briefly read an old blog post that I have written in 2009. The blog post told the story of the photo; except for one problem. I didn’t see a photo. I was originally not in the habit of adding photos or relevant images to my blog posts. How things have changed!
Here’s what God spoke through Zechariah then I’ll jump into the topic of small beginnings
9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. 10 For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven will be glad when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel—these are the eyes of the Lord which range to and fro throughout the earth.”
Zechariah 4:9-10 [NASB]
Zerubbabel was the governor of Judea and he was tasked in the rebuilding of the Temple of God. The rebuilding of the Temple was not the only thing on Zerubbabel’s mind. At the time, Israel was under the rule of King Cyrus of Persia. Yet, God is saying that Zerubbabel would finish the job of rebuilding the Temple.
How does this relate to an old blog post and small beginnings? For one, I did not examine the article, with a criticizing spirit or a critical eye. The old self would say, “I can’t believe that I wrote like that! What the heck did others see in it?” I was so busy seeing the flaws that I couldn’t see the potentials.
Today, I read the original blog post and saw the potential for improvements and asked “How can I create a better version that would be of greater value to my readers and listeners on the podcast?” I am glad that I kept that old photo on my Facebook account.
This change did not happen, overnight. For one, I had taken some classes on writing at Gotham Writers. Though it has been a while, I’d still recommend the workshop. You could say “It was a small beginning that proves very helpful.” Writing class isn’t the only thing God, the Father used to prepare me.
It is through this school that I learned some of the finer points of creative writing. They also help in learning to recognize what I’m doing wrong. Unfortunately, I needed some serious inner healing to help me, in seeing rightly. This is where my church’s Transformed comes in!
What is Transformed and how does this relate to the topic of appreciating how far one has come and moving forward? Transformed is an in-depth 22-week course centering on learning our significance in Christ. If you want to learn more then here’s a direct link to more information and who to contact.
My perspective on my writings definitely improved. The course laid the groundwork for a whole lot of healings. It also opens the door for my 1st book. That book is called “You Are Not A Lesser Human: An Anthology of Overcoming“. You can buy a copy on Amazon or other online bookstores.
It was an adventure to walk on that old beam of wood. Why the heck was I on that beam, in the first place? A friend and I had to cross a wide creek and it was not ankle-deep. It was risky and I could have fallen right in the creek. In the original blog post, I wrote that God has a funny way of teaching a lesson.
Will I choose to trust my Heavenly Father in my journey? Will I slow down and choose to listen to the still quiet voice of the Holy Spirit? Will I take my eyes off of myself and look to Jesus?
When I relaxed and stopped focusing on my anxiety, I became more relaxed and finished crossing over to the other side. I didn’t do it, alone. My friend did help me, in finishing the trip. Guess who else I can trust to help me?
Here’s another lesson that I’m gleaning, from that photo and the old blog post. I don’t regret that little risky adventure or the journey to pursue the ministry that God has called me, into. Yes, the road has been a rocky one; however, Jesus has never left me or abandoned me. His Spirit has always been there and constantly watching over me.
God, the Father is faithful and true. You can count on Jesus to be there for you, too. Why? It’s because God loves you and God does care about you. However, you need to let Jesus come in and invite the Holy Spirit to help you. God, the Father is not going to override your free will.
I repeat. Will you choose to relax and take your eyes off yourself? Will you choose to trust in God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Do you suppose that I could have learned this, by despising small beginnings? I think not!
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