Watch the video below to find out how an ancient prophecy encourages us to see God at work in the small things.
As we approach “covid winter,” the day of small things is upon us. No more big Christmas parties or sporting events. Family “bubbles” limit contact. Stay six feet apart, no contact, only a few people can enter a business, restaurant or medical office at a time. Even church is limited in size and scope (if it’s open for in-person meetings at all).
It’s enough to make you cry.
That’s a natural reaction. But perhaps there is another way to look at it, too.
In the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, the Israelites had gone through years of destruction, slavery and hardship. And then, when they were finally allowed to return home, some weren’t so keen on the new normal…it just wasn’t the same.
Although the temple was rebuilt, it wasn’t the wonder constructed by Solomon. There was weeping amidst the celebration. Some wished they could go back to how it was before.
But then the prophet Zechariah heard this from the angel of the Lord: “Do not despise the day of small things, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin…” (Zechariah 4:10).
Finding hope in the small things
God is at work in the small things. He is at work in your family, in your church, and in your community. It is normal to lament, but God reminds us not to be so inward-focused that we forget He is in the here and now.
The God of heaven is still sovereign, He is still in control and He is still very much at work.
You never know what might happen. Remember that ragtag group of Israelites who lamented the loss of what was? Prophecy after messianic prophecy showed that the Messiah would come from their number. And He did.
It was a small start for what will one day be a great finish.
In the midst of this time of “small,” what does God want you to do? How is He inviting you to be part of His plan?
Bill McCaskell is the national director for One Hope Canada.