By Sandy Kirby Quandt

Often it is that first step that is the most difficult. Once that is conquered, the rest follows easily.

Learning to ride a bicycle might be a good example. The rider needs to balance the bike in such a way to keep it upright while pedaling fast enough to move it forward as the handle bars are kept steady to direct the bike in the intended direction. Whew.

Not an easy thing to do all at once. Just thinking about all the steps could overwhelm. The task is manageable, however, if the steps are taken in small increments.

When the Hebrews who lived in Babylon during the 6th century B.C. were allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the city after 70 years of captivity, they faced a massive undertaking.

Perhaps they looked at everything that had to be done and felt it too much to accomplish.  Perhaps they felt it was a hopeless endeavor. Perhaps they felt it was way beyond their ability, so they should give up before they started.

But in order to get that massive undertaking completed, they had to start small. They had to lay that first brick and the next and the next.

Maybe you’re facing something that looms large over you. It seems impossible to deal with. Health concerns. Financial concerns. Relationship concerns. Job concerns. Family concerns…

Each seems too big to take on.

But each accomplishment begins with that first small step.

Like one of my college professors used to say, “You can’t eat the elephant all at once. You have to eat it one spoonful at a time.”

Don’t despise small beginnings. Take it one step at a time.

Are there any endeavors overwhelming you when you look at everything it entails to be completed?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Leave a comment below. If you think others would appreciate reading this please share it through the social media buttons.

Do not despise this small beginning, for the eyes of the Lord rejoice to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. For these seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that see everywhere around the world. Zechariah 4:10 (TLB)

I wish you well.

Sandy

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