Small Steps Towards Renewal - Your Nightly Prayer - February 22nd
Small Steps Towards Renewal
Your Nightly Prayer
by Angie Grant
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
"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 4:10
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Have you ever dared to believe that changing the world could start with a single act of kindness, where even the smallest steps lead to profound transformations?
Sometimes I'm an overachiever, and my plans are lofty and unattainable. We can plan, but God causes the increase. What I've learned is that our plans aren't always His plans, and the increase doesn't always look the way I thought it would. Sometimes it begins small, much like our evening did.
I have this desire to create moments for families and kids in foster care that they will never forget- marked and transformational moments. As an advocate, I have the opportunity to create these moments many times throughout the year- moments for workers, foster families, and foster kids. It brings me great joy! This past June, we planned to celebrate 12 foster kiddos who graduated, but only 4 had RSVP'd for the event.
All the work, preparation, and the beautiful moments that once danced in my head felt snuffed out! I quickly had a come-to-Jesus moment. I began to say things like, "Why didn't those workers follow up better? Maybe I should have reached out by phone." I beat myself up about contacting only graduates at the end of the school year.
I stopped in my tracks and decided to celebrate the four who did respond! One person showed up with her newly appointed caseworker, who had known her for one week. Each person took a moment to speak words of encouragement, life, and hope for this sweet girl's future. One volunteer said, "Your strength and perseverance are nothing short of inspiring. Never doubt what you can achieve." There was not a dry eye in the place. I handed this precious young adult the gift bag and said, "We believe in you, and God has an amazing future ahead!"
She opened her card and found a $1,000.00 check. She covered her face and sobbed. Through her tears, she said no one had ever given her a gift like this. "You don't even know me." Again, tears filled the room! I took that awesome teen in my arms and have never had a tighter squeeze in my 55 years. She then told me, "You don't understand. I shouldn't even be alive, and I can't believe I'm graduating. I made it!" I said, "Baby, you made it, and the best days are still to come."
It didn't matter that she was the only one in attendance. The night was just for her. Zechariah 4:10 reminds us that God never despises small beginnings. And in this case, it was the small beginning of touching one life. It spiritually grew me, realigned my commitment to my faith, and helped me better fulfill whatever assignment God has for me. Be it a thousand kids or one.
Jesus is about the one. We can aim to change the world or start with one. We created a moment for this graduate that she will remember forever. Touching the one can change the world- one life at a time, one world at a time. Spiritual renewal can occur even in the face of unforeseen circumstances. God is good at showing us He’s really into small beginnings!
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Father,
Help us never to reject or think less of small beginnings! Help us be on assignment daily to whatever and whoever you call us to. May we never forget the small things you call us to - help us to be obedient in those things so that our lives would represent your faithfulness, and we would see you at work in our lives.
Amen
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. What have I rushed or given up on in my spiritual life?
2. What do I need to remind myself of every day?
3. What has God placed on my heart that I haven’t proceeded with in obedience because it feels small and insignificant?
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Daggy J Ali
Angie holds a degree in Child and Family Studies and currently serves on the staff at Cloverhill Church, where she and her husband have been leading for over 25 years. She is the Executive Director of Cloverhill Christian Academy, located in Midlothian, Virginia. Angie is a dedicated advocate for foster children and families, and also serves as a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner, offering support in her community and beyond. In addition to her roles in church and education, Angie contributes her insight and leadership as a board member for Families First and the Chesterfield-Colonial Heights Department of Social Services.
How does she do it all? With purpose and passion—as a coach in family life, ministry, and schools, Angie brings experience, empathy, and a heart for helping others thrive.
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