I Kings 18:44
‘On the seventh time the servant reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.”’
God told Elijah to tell Ahab there was to be a drought and there was for years. God told Elijah it was going to rain. He told his servant several time to go and look for rain clouds. This was the first sighting of a cloud.
This is so small it could make a skeptic laugh. It was so small it could provide a glass of water. God seems to enjoy small beginnings. It’s the opposite of something miraculous. Zechariah 4:10 says, “For who has despised the day of small things? But these seven eyes of the LORD, which scan the whole earth, will rejoice when they see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel.”
I am encourage by small beginnings. I prefer them. Starting of huge is intimidating. I would rather start small and grow to what God wants. I think this is how God usually works.
Even though beginning can be small, God is still in it and miracles are still present. He is encouraging us. It doesn’t seem to be for the crowds. He shows us that He’s in it with signs here and there as well as confirmations within us.
He can with through the dramatic. He did with Moses. I think that’s the exception. It would come through Him. We wouldn’t generate that. He started in the burning bush, the staff that became a serpent and the hand that became leperous. For Moses it seemed to be big all the time.
How do these small beginnings come? It can be an idea that pops in our heads. We pray and try it. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t. A circumstance often just happens and then it’s rolling. It can come from another.
Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” Give it to Him and trust Him. Some may feel that they can’t. They can. God is the prime mover.
God started with small beginnings with Jesus. He was born in a manger to parents who weren’t powerful. The first visitors were shepherds. They are like modern day truckers or those who care for lawns. God prefers humble, small beginnings.
Lord, thank You for working in us. We also are insignificant. Yet, You still love us.