Today’s verse is from a time when the hope that God’s promise to Israel that the temple in Jerusalem would be rebuilt had grown dim in the face of human and spiritual challenges. There are several elements of this passage that apply as we look for what God wants to do for and through each one of us.

What do small beginnings look like for us? Having received the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, have you buried it in the ground like hidden treasure, or have you made a real beginning of faith? Spiritually, small beginnings include adding to your faith goodness (2 Peter 1:5-7), which includes victory over disqualifying sins as described in Galatians 5:19-21. Without making these small beginnings, we fantasize if we think God wants us to immediately step into roles we view as more visible or more important. 

As we are faithful in small beginnings, we can ask God to give us His vision for our future. Because the human heart and the devil are deceitful, we should test the vision with Scripture and wise counsel. The promise that the temple would be rebuilt had been verified. Once we have confidence that a direction is from the Lord, we can live faithfully and with a good attitude, knowing that God’s promise will be accomplished in God’s power and God’s timing.

Querido Padre Celestial,

I thank You that You have a glorious plan for my life, as You are a most gracious Father who wants the best for Your children. I confess that I sometimes get frustrated that my life isn’t where I think it should be right now. Lord, please help me to remember to make my relationship with You my top priority and all else will fall into place. When I feel that I want more, I will seek more of You through Bible study and prayer. I leave my life in Your hands, Father. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Do you ever feel others have reached high places of achievement while you seem stuck in a rut? Have you ever wondered if God has somehow passed you by? He is telling you now, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) Our Father is not a man who lies. He has never spoken and not made it good. Trust in Him today, offer Him praise, and seek His guidance to the place He has for you.