The Beauty of Small Beginnings: Trusting God’s Timing and Embracing Growth

Hi, friends!

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’m so happy to be back after what feels like forever. Life has been a little chaotic lately—sickness knocked me off my feet for a while, and with power outages in my area, I’ve been reminded just how much I have to be grateful for. There was even one night I almost set up a tent in my living room, ready to hunker down with my weighted blanket if things got colder. But I’m here, and I’m feeling stronger, with some good health news on the horizon.

In Episode 15 of the Beyond Forgiveness Podcast, I begin to explore something that’s been on my heart: the value of small beginnings. It’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately, and it’s rooted in one of my favorite Bible verses, Zechariah 4:10: "Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin." I titled this episode “Faith in the Small Things” because I think we all need a reminder now and then that what seems small or insignificant to us can hold incredible value in God’s eyes.

Small Things Matter

The verse from Zechariah comes from a time when the Israelites were rebuilding the temple after the Babylonian exile. It wasn’t the grand, glorious temple of Solomon’s day—it was humble, modest, and slow work. The people were discouraged, wondering if their efforts even mattered. But through the prophet Zechariah, God reassured them that their work was seen and celebrated.

I love this reminder. It’s so easy to get caught up in comparing our efforts to others, or even to our own expectations. I’m guilty of this too—whether it’s this podcast, my music, or even relationships, I’ve often felt like I’m not doing “enough.” But God doesn’t measure success the way we do. He sees the heart behind the work, and He delights in the small beginnings.

Lessons from the Bible

As I’ve reflected on this, a few stories from the Bible have really stood out to me:

• Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem: Jesus, the King of Kings, wasn’t born in a palace. He came into the world in a manger, in a tiny, unremarkable town. It’s such a beautiful reminder that God brings greatness from the most unexpected places.

• The Parable of the Mustard Seed: In Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus describes how the Kingdom of Heaven starts small, like a mustard seed, but grows into something much greater. Isn’t that such a picture of how God works in our lives? Even the smallest acts of faith can grow into something extraordinary.

• David’s Humble Beginnings: Remember when David was overlooked by his own family? No one thought the youngest shepherd boy would be chosen as king, but God saw his heart. This story always reminds me that God doesn’t look at outward appearances—He sees what’s within.

These examples show us that small things often lead to the biggest impacts. And sometimes, it’s not about the size of what we’re doing but the faithfulness behind it.

Being Faithful in the Little Things

Another story that’s been on my mind lately is the widow’s offering from Mark 12:41-44. She gave just two small coins—nothing compared to the large amounts others gave—but Jesus said she gave more than anyone because she gave all she had. Her heart mattered more than the amount.

This has challenged me to think about how I approach the “small” things in my life. Whether it’s answering a friend’s call, showing kindness to a stranger, or simply staying faithful to what God has placed on my heart—those little acts matter.

I’ve also thought a lot about the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30. The servant who buried his one talent out of fear missed out on the opportunity to see it grow. That’s a reminder I’ve needed, especially when it comes to my music. I’ve known for a long time that writing songs is part of my calling, but I’ve struggled with feeling stuck. Am I doing enough? Am I on the right track? But this parable reminds me that God doesn’t call us to have all the answers—He calls us to step out in faith and trust Him with the results.

Personal Reflections

If I’m being honest, there have been times when I’ve felt discouraged with this podcast. I’ve wondered if it’s making a difference. But then I think about something my mom used to say about making an impact: "If you can help just one person, it’s worth it." That’s what keeps me going. Even if this podcast reaches just one person who needs encouragement, then I know it’s fulfilling its purpose.

I’ve also seen how God works through small beginnings in my own life. One of the most beautiful examples is my relationship with my dad. Growing up, things weren’t easy between us, and there were times I didn’t know if we’d ever have a good relationship. But over the years, through small steps, God has worked in both of our hearts. Today, my dad and I are closer than we’ve ever been, and I see God’s faithfulness in every part of that journey.

Trusting God’s Timing

Philippians 1:6 says, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion." This has been such a comfort to me. God doesn’t rush the process—He’s patient, and He’s faithful. Even when we can’t see the results right away, we can trust that He’s at work.

Whether you’re waiting on a breakthrough in your career, healing in a relationship, or clarity on your next step, I want to encourage you: don’t give up. Keep showing up, keep being faithful, and trust that God sees and honors your efforts.

Final Thoughts

As I wrap up, I just want to leave you with this: Small beginnings are not insignificant. God sees the value in them, and He delights in the work you’re doing, no matter how small it may seem. Whether it’s a personal project, a ministry, or simply loving the people around you, trust that your faithfulness matters.

Thank you for being here, for listening, and for walking this journey with me. Let’s keep trusting God together, one small step at a time.

Love,

Alex

P.S. Here is a full link to the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-PPZxU8wik :)