Writing For Eternity

Don't Despise Small Beginnings

Christian Writers: Don’t Despise Small Beginnings

Grant Ferguson ⋆

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1–2 minutes

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Imagine how it feels to rebuild after a catastrophic event, such as a devastating storm, fire, or earthquake.

Now sense how Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, felt as he faced the overwhelming task of rebuilding the Temple.

  • The Temple lay in total ruin.
  • It would take time and hard work to rebuild.
  • Many thought it was impossible to complete.

Not by Force nor by Strength

Reliant on human efforts alone, we sense the impossibility of doing whatever God calls us to do (Zechariah 4:6 NLT).

It’s human nature to look at problems through a telescope, magnifying the challenge. Unfortunately, that causes us to view God through the wrong end of the telescope, discounting the Lord’s mighty power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20 NLT).

For those who place their trust in God, nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in their way (Zechariah 4:7 NLT).

Don’t Despise Small Beginnings

If you’re called to create a blog, write a novel, or rebuild after a catastrophic event, start, even if small beginnings.

God called Zerubbabel to rebuild the Temple, and he started by laying the foundation (Zechariah 4:9 NLT). A small but important beginning to the long and arduous project.

The Lord considered that start so important that He sent an angel to encourage His servant.

Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.

— Zechariah 4:9-10 NLT

Start Small with Ten Two-letter Words

Consider who God expects to start, even if small beginnings.

If it is to be, it is up to me.

What will you start today, a small beginning to fulfill God’s call on your life?

26 responses to “Christian Writers: Don’t Despise Small Beginnings”

  1. Willie Torres Jr. Avatar
    Willie Torres Jr.

    Sometimes I look at the challenges ahead and wonder how I’ll ever get through them, but I’m learning that God doesn’t ask me to do everything in my own strength. I just need to take that next small step and trust Him with the rest. To God be the Glory …

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Indeed, Willie. Psalm 119:105 NLT: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Just enough light to take the next step regardless of our circumstances. May God continue to bless the work of your hands as you write for His Kingdom.

      Reply
  2. bigskybuckeye Avatar
    bigskybuckeye

    Grant, thank you for sharing this encouraging testament. With each small step, God will always encourage another . . . and then another. It’s such a blessing to embrace new beginnings. God’s peace.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Absolutely, Pastor Pete, and to this day, I’m still amazed at how many times God not only provided the path but also the provision for new beginnings. The Lord of unfailing mercy and our Way Maker.

      Reply
      1. bigskybuckeye Avatar
        bigskybuckeye

        Thank you for sharing more reflections. God is the ultimate trailblazer.

  3. Christina Amery Avatar
    Christina Amery

    Sometimes God beats me over the head with His message. I’m going through the rebuilding of the temple in Bible in a Year. Between that study and your brilliant reflection, I have much to think about. Thanks, Grant.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Thank you, Christina! An enormous comfort is that the Holy Spirit continues to cheer us on. Those nudges keep us from camping out in the valley before we move up to the next mountaintop: a step out of the comfort zone, steps over obstacles, and a step up to God’s best for us.

      Reply
  4. KC-Ink Avatar
    KC-Ink

    Thanks, Grant Great post! Getting started is definitely the hardest part. I definitely procrastinate when it comes to this. But with blogging, it pushes me to get started—no posts, no blog!

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Thanks, KC! Putting one foot in front of the other can cover miles. Likewise, writing one word can lead to another, shaping lives with messages that resonate with readers.

      Reply
  5. Summer Avatar
    Summer

    Starting is one of the biggest hurdles of a task! Thank you for the encouragement, Grant.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      You’re welcome, Summer.

      Reply
  6. Week Thirty-Nine Discipleship | The Project: Me by Judy

    […] Grant Ferguson, over at Writing for Eternity, shared the reminder: Don’t Despise Small Beginnings https://writingforeternity.com/2026/09/30/christian-writers-dont-despise-small-beginnings/ […]

    Reply
  7. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    Thanks for the encouragement. Sometimes, remembering to just take the next step feels impossible, but we worship a God who does the impossible.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      We can all use more encouragement, Judy, and praise God, doing more than we can hope or imagine.

      Reply
  8. Wrenn Leone Avatar
    Wrenn Leone

    I’ve had the germ of an idea for a Christian novel for some time now, Grant. Lately it’s been surfacing again. Your post is definitely food for thought.

    Incidentally, I do Bible in a Year on the Hallow app as a matter of routine. The last few days have been on the difficulty faced in the rebuilding of the temple. How timely! :)

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      I’m glad you found it helpful, Wrenn, and I encourage you to plant the story seed. BTW: I enjoy the NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible. Easy to read, detailed footnotes, era summaries, maps, etc. The daily study ends with thought-provoking questions, and I find my prior year’s answers interesting. I’ve gained a sense of how the books support each other. The study helps to understand the storyline when book chapters appear not in date order (e.g., the order of the Babylonian exile and return). Fun, too!

      Reply
      1. Wrenn Leone Avatar
        Wrenn Leone

        Absolutely, Grant. I’ve been reading the Bible in chronological order for several years, and have gained such a deeper understanding of scripture. So glad you are finding it inspirational and informative too!

  9. Hope Avatar
    Hope

    Great word, Grant. Very much needed. I am reminded of Caleb and Joshua, the only two out of twelve who looked at the giants and declared God was able to fulfill His promises. I think, in my own life, my small beginnings are in the heart where I choose to believe God rather than give up, hide, or run away. Thank you for this encouragement through sharing the truth of Scripture.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      You’re welcome, Hope, and thank you for your devotions, rich in God’s Word and practical application.

      Reply
  10. Priscilla Bettis Avatar
    Priscilla Bettis

    Thank you for encouraging me and all writers!

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      You’re welcome, Priscilla, and thank you for your many contributions to writers and readers!

      Reply
  11. Jacqui Murray Avatar
    Jacqui Murray

    “It’s human nature to look at problems through a telescope, magnifying the challenge. “–there’s much wisdom in that sentence. I tend to think we-all look at a problem through a straw, just see a tiny portion rather than the big picture.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      I like your straw analogy, Jacqui. In the corporate world, we talked of silos. While coordinating large-scale mergers, the biggest obstacle was finding people who could navigate between the silos of people, products, pricing, and IT support. Your straw example sums up that obstacle. That makes us blind to what can go wrong, how to prevent it, and opportunities for improvement (aka W.H.O.).

      As David showed us in his 70+ psalms, trusting God makes all the difference in our lives, enabling us to move forward with what we’re called to do despite the fear.

      Reply
  12. Dana at Mindful Caravan Avatar
    Dana at Mindful Caravan

    What a wonderful reminder to just begin! Thank you, Grant.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      For me, taking the first step often proves the hardest.

      Reply
      1. Dana at Mindful Caravan Avatar
        Dana at Mindful Caravan

        Agreed!

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