“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” -Ecclesiastes 7:8
Over the last few months, God has moved mightily in our church and in the lives of our members. It’s been so exciting to see the favor, increase, healing, overflow, and turn-around in the house. But God placed a word in my heart earlier this week that He prompted me to share with the congregation (with the help of a song by Kurt Carr) and that He wanted me to share with you, too. And that message is….. “This is just the beginning!!”
In the words of a game show host, you might say “Stay tuned” or “Don’t touch that dial.” In the words of a sports enthusiast, you could say, “first quarter,” or “Start your engines!” To borrow words from a familiar saying, you might call it “the tip of the iceberg.” Or in our down-home vernacular, you might just break it down like this: “You ain’t seen nothin’ yet!” But any way you put it, know that “THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING FOR YOU!!”
Some of you may be thinking, I haven’t received a job or a raise or anything miraculous in my life. Are you sure? The bible tells us not to despise our small beginnings (Zechariah 4:10). It could be a shopper handing you a coupon for some groceries you’re about to purchase or a stranger at a restaurant paying for your meal. It could be a neighbor bringing you fresh vegetables from her garden or a friend putting a little spending money in your hands. Do not overlook these small occurrences because God is showing you His hand of favor on your life. He’s showing you that just as He can use someone to give you a coupon, He can move another to give you a car, a house, a job, or a promotion. You have to begin somewhere, so look for those beginnings with an expectation of so much more taking place in your life.
You may even feel that you’ve lost so much or that everything that you love has been taken away from you. But even in these trying times, God’s word to you is “This is just the beginning.” I’m reminded of Job and how he lost his family, possessions, and health, but God restored him, and He will do the same for you.
That job you lost could be the opening for you to become your own boss. That house loan that wasn’t approved could be your opportunity to save more, so you can purchase your dream house debt-free! That long-time relationship that ended after all the tears and fears could be the open door for the true love of your life to walk through!! So don’t give in, don’t faint, and don’t lose heart. Instead, keep pressing on, keep giving thanks, keep seeking God’s face, and know that this is just the beginning!
In His Love,
Veronica Yon