Many great accomplishments for God had small beginnings. When Zerubbabel was called to rebuild God's ruined temple, one of the first things he did, with the help of God's people, was lay a foundation. Then they began building on that foundation, stone upon stone. Many shortsighted citizens balked at those basic efforts and "despised the day of small things" (Zechariah 4:10). But God promised Zerubbabel success, not by mere human might and strength but by His Spirit.

Author Mike Yaconelli illustrated this principle by writing about a teenager who became burdened for homeless people in Philadelphia. He decided to go around his neighborhood and collect blankets, which he gave to people living on the street. The following week he made another collection. Others soon followed his example. As a result of that first small act, there's now an organization that gives blankets to homeless people around the world.

Do you long to have an impact on others' lives but feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task? Don't despise small beginnings. Like that teenager, start helping people in the name of Christ, one small deed at a time. You'll soon prove that little is much when God is in it.    — Joanie Yoder