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I was so excited. I was ready to move.
Moving from Atlanta back to my hometown in South Carolina felt like the answer to so many prayers. All I could see was peace — quiet mornings, familiar faces, slower days. My girlfriends were back home. Life felt simple again. And for those who know me well, you know how much I love simple.
Pineville, South Carolina felt right.
I had prayed about the move and felt confident God was opening the door. The transition itself was smooth — but once I arrived, the long-term living situation didn’t unfold the way I expected.
There were obstacles.
The initial location didn’t work out.
The home purchase has taken longer than I hoped.
Yet through it all, I could still hear God whispering, “Be patient, my dear.”
So I wait. And I trust.
There is a unique kind of disappointment when new beginnings feel small — especially when you’re stepping out in faith. This move was a new beginning for me, and if I’m honest, had I known how unclear parts of it would feel, I might have been tempted to wait until everything made more sense.
But I’ve had to remind myself that God’s clarity is not the same as mine.
His vision reaches far beyond what I can see.
While I’m waiting, little moments surface that test my patience. Recently, I ran into the contractor who cleared the land for me. He casually asked, “I noticed you haven’t put a house on the land yet — what are you waiting on?”
It stung more than I expected.
All I could say was the truth: “It’s coming. I’m waiting on God.”
And in that moment, I was reminded of something deeply important — God values faithfulness, not flashiness.
Even though this beginning feels quiet and uneventful, it is still significant. This is exactly where I felt led to be. Zechariah 4:10 reminds us not to despise small beginnings, because God is present in the process — not just the outcome.
God pays close attention to the small things.
In Luke 16:10, we’re reminded that faithfulness in little things reveals our character. Integrity isn’t proven in big moments — it’s revealed in everyday obedience. God watches how we show up when no one else is applauding.
Our culture celebrates outcomes.
God celebrates obedience.
The world often praises results regardless of how they’re achieved. But God honors the path — especially when it’s walked with trust and humility.
Not long after I moved back home, my neighbor offered a simple piece of advice that has stayed with me: “Take your time. Make small steps.” I return to that wisdom whenever impatience creeps in.
Because small steps may feel insignificant — but something is always happening in the process.
Small steps build spiritual trust.
Faith requires that kind of trust.
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as the assurance of what we hope for and the conviction of things we cannot yet see. It’s trusting God even when clarity isn’t fully there yet.
Right now, my small steps of faith matter deeply — not because they’re impressive, but because they’re obedient. Is it easy? No. But will it be worth it? Absolutely.
God’s promises will prevail.
Even when I don’t understand the timing.
Even when the beginning feels quiet.
What matters most is my relationship with God and my willingness to follow His lead.
So if you’re standing at the start of something new, remember this:
- Your beginning doesn’t have to be perfect. God meets you right in the middle of the mess.
- Your beginning doesn’t have to be public. This is between you and God — not for outside opinions.
- Your beginning doesn’t have to be impressive. Think of Joseph. God knows how to elevate in due season.
- Your beginning just needs to be faithful. That’s where peace and joy are found.
🌿 Reflection for the Week
- What small step am I hesitating to take?
- Where might God be inviting obedience — not certainty?
- What would faith look like today?
🙏 Prayer
God, as we begin this new season, help us to trust You even when clarity feels distant. Give us courage to walk in obedience, patience to embrace small steps, and faith to wait on Your timing. Keep us close to You, grounded in Your will, and confident that You are pleased with faithful beginnings.
Amen.
Worship Song: Good Plans by Red Rock Worship
✍🏽 Scripture Writing: Honoring Small Beginnings
God often works through quiet obedience and unseen faithfulness. Scripture writing helps us recognize how deeply God values beginnings — no matter how small they feel.
Write these verses slowly, one phrase at a time:
- Zechariah 4:10
- Luke 16:10
- Hebrews 11:1
As you write:
- Reflect on how God defines faithfulness differently than the world
- Release comparison and expectations
After writing, reflect:
- What small step of obedience have I been overlooking?
- Where is God inviting me to trust Him with what I cannot yet see?
Be sure to download your January Scripture Writings as you work through this practice. Leave space after each verse. Let this be a conversation with God — not a task to complete.