Today we’re sharing an excerpt from Jennifer Rothschild’s new study, Take Courage. Order your copy or see a free sample today at LifeWay.com/TakeCourage.

“Do not despise these small beginnings for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin” (Zech. 4:10a, NLT). 

Judah’s enemies looked down on the temple building as if it were Tinkertoys^® in the hands of toddlers—as if it were no big deal. Even some of the Jews themselves thought little of the rebuilt temple because compared to the former temple, it was scrawny. But Zechariah, echoing Haggai (Hag. 2:3) reminded them it was no “small thing” in God’s eyes. 

Nothing is. No one is.  

If you’ve ever felt small, like your mission, your age, or your work is just puny, let me tell you this—small things can have a big impact. Here’s what I mean. Let’s just take a small number and see if it can have a big impact . . .

Thirty-two isn’t a big number, is it?  

• Thirty-two little chocolate chips are only about seventy calories but will give you immense pleasure. (At least that’s my personal testimony.)
• A thirty-two minute power nap may cost you about a half hour of productivity, but you will gain a new lease on your day.  
• Thirty-two cents will hardly buy you anything. But if you save thirty-two cents every day for thirty-two years, you will have $3,737.60 in the bank!
• If you read thirty-two books over your lifetime, your brain will have processed more than one million words!   

Thirty-two may be a small number, but it has big potential and big implications, doesn’t it? 

The Jews may have felt like they put in big work for little result. They may have felt small and insignificant because of all the opposition. They may even have felt that their best effort came to mediocre results. 

Perhaps you identify with how they felt. You may feel small, insignificant, thinking who you are or where you are is unimportant compared to the seemingly big significance of others’ lives and situations. But no one and nothing is really small and insignificant. The big impact of small things can be overlooked if we aren’t careful. In a few weeks, you’ll see exactly what this looks like in Haggai. You’ll learn that you build more than you see.  

God does know your name. He doesn’t overlook you just because somebody has a bigger problem, a bigger project, or a bigger personality. No matter how big the world is and no matter how small you may feel, God has called you to take courage and finish the work He has called you to.  

That means, sister girl, that no matter where you are right now—whether you’re in a transitional season full of uncertainty, feeling too small for your call, fighting opposition and feeling accused or discouraged, thinking you’re too young or too old, or working heartily but wearing out—oh, girl, I have a word for you: take courage, dear heart. 

God has called you to be the you He created. What you may see as a small thing in your mission or your work is really part of God’s big plan. It was true for the Jews in Haggai’s day, and it is true for you today.  

God is with you in all situations and seasons just like He was with the discouraged Jews. God equips whom He calls. He lovingly corrects our “Small Things Syndrome” with His truthful words. He gives us the wisdom to consider our ways and prioritize our days. So, when you feel discouraged, don’t give the enemy a chance to make it worse. Press into God’s Word. Let His voice be louder than the outside voice of opposition and that nagging inner voice that tries to convince you that you are too small for your call.

Excited about this new study? Join Jennifer for a virtual release party on June 30th at 7 p.m. CST. live on Jennifer’s Facebook page!

Want to learn more about Take Courage? Watch the short video below or view a free sample and teaching video clips at LifeWay.com/TakeCourage.

And here are some fun wallpapers for your desktop and phone! Click the images below to download!

Phone Wallpapers