May 1, 2026
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God has never needed something big to do something significant.
“For who hath despised the day of small things?” (KJV)
— Zechariah 4:10
In recent months, we have looked at moments in the early church where something important was close at hand…
…and nearly missed.
Peter stood at the door after being delivered—an answered prayer, still waiting outside.
The widows were present within the church—real needs, quietly overlooked in daily care.
In both moments, the issue was not a lack of faith or effort.
The people were praying.
The people were serving.
But something essential was still missed.
In both moments, everything changed when someone noticed…
and someone responded.
The Work That Is Easy to Miss
Not all ministry is visible.
Much of it happens in quiet moments—
a conversation,
a visit,
a need that is not clearly spoken.
For many of you serving in communities, prisons, hospitals, and homes, this is familiar ground. The work does not always bring immediate results, but it remains essential.
A Pattern We Recognize
We’ve talked about the widows, Barnabas, and Rhoda.
None of them were central figures in the way we might expect, yet each played a meaningful role in strengthening the early church.
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much…” (KJV)
— Luke 16:10
Faithfulness, not visibility, is what sustains the work.
When the Work Feels Small
There are seasons in ministry where the work does not feel large.
It does not feel like growth.
It does not feel like momentum.
It does not feel like impact.
It feels like showing up.
It feels like continuing
The Day of Small Things
In Zechariah’s time, the people had returned from exile and begun rebuilding the Temple. But the work did not look like what once stood. Progress was slow, resources were limited, and discouragement had begun to settle in.
God’s message to them was not built on excitement or momentum, but on something steadier:
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” (KJV)
— Zechariah 4:6
Then comes a question that is easy to pass over:
“For who hath despised the day of small things?” (KJV)
— Zechariah 4:10
It is not a widely quoted passage. In part, because it requires something of us before it can help us—it asks us to admit that we are discouraged.
And that is not always a comfortable place to stand.
We would rather speak about growth than admit when something feels small.
We would rather point to results than remain steady without them.
But Scripture does not avoid those moments.
God does not ask us to pretend we are not discouraged.
He meets us there.
He reminds us that we are human, that the work can feel heavy, and that progress is not always visible.
And still, He points us forward—not by pressure, not by force, but by His Spirit—giving us both the strength and the pattern to continue.
The Work Before Us
Jesus said,
“The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed…” (KJV)
— Matthew 13:31–32
He chose something small.
Something easy to overlook.
But something that grows.
Much of the work we are given is just as simple:
a conversation,
a visit,
a word of encouragement,
a burden shared.
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (KJV)
— Galatians 6:2
These are not small things.
They are the work of the Church.
Encouragement in the Work We Share
There will be seasons where the work feels small.
Where progress is not obvious.
Where results are not immediate.
But that does not mean that nothing is happening.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (KJV)
— Galatians 6:9
God has never needed something big…
to do something significant.
The beginning may be small.
The moment may be quiet.
But the work is still His.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank Thee that Thou dost not measure as we measure.
Teach us not to despise small beginnings, but to remain faithful in the work Thou hast placed before us.
Give us patience in seasons where growth is not yet visible, and faith to trust that Thou art still at work.
Strengthen those who labor quietly and remind us that even the smallest act done in Thy name carries eternal weight.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.
Yours In Christ,
Kelly Kendrick Sister Cathy
Volunteer Bishop Of the Church