Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Zechariah 4:1-5:11, Revelation 14:1-20, Psalm 132:1-7, Proverbs 30:21-23

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God Rejoices In The Start

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

I am learning what it means to begin something with God—putting in the work day after day, trusting Him with the results, and believing that what feels small and unfruitful right now will one day reveal His greater purpose.

Beginnings are often the hardest part of obedience. We pour in effort, prayer, time, and thought, yet see little return. Progress feels slow. Results feel invisible. And the temptation comes to wonder if our work even matters.

But God says something surprising: He rejoices to see the work begin.

Not when it’s finished.
Not when it’s impressive.
Not when others finally notice.

He rejoices at the beginning.

God reminded me of this recently and assigned this verse as my guiding scripture for the next year. He knows it can be hard at the beginning, but He delights when we take what He has placed within us—our minds, our talents, our calling—and put them to use in obedience. He loves to see us trying, learning, thinking, building, and working things out with Him. Nothing offered to Him in faith is wasted.

When the work is His and the obedience is Spirit-led, success is assured—even if it comes slowly, quietly, and one step at a time.

Every great work of God begins the same way:
One act of obedience.
Then another.
Then another.

Small efforts stack. Faithfulness compounds. What starts as fragile and unfinished grows into something strong and lasting—because God is in it.

This verse is a reminder and an encouragement: your effort matters. God sees it. God rejoices in it. And He knows the work is hard. He is not disappointed by small starts—He designed growth to work this way.

Do not despise what God is celebrating. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Take five minutes with God today and ask Him:

• “Lord, what do You want me personally to know about this today?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

Let the Lord celebrate with you today.

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Prayer

Lord, thank You for rejoicing in my obedience, even when the work feels small and slow. Help me not to despise the beginning of what You are building. Strengthen my hands, steady my heart, and remind me that You are with me in every step. I trust You with the process and the outcome. Amen.

To read more 5 Minutes with God devotionals click here.