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

One year ago this past week I stepped out into the unknown, I stopped thinking “I should” and began writing on what has become Run And Be Still. I didn’t know what I was going to say or for how long I could keep it up. And even then I was afraid that no one would listen anyway. But what a year it has been!

I find it amazing how much can be accomplished and changed within the scope of 365 short days. (Although some don’t feel so short at the time.) The small steps that we take every day will eventually add up into something bigger. One year ago, just after the start of Run And Be Still, my book (then titled Through the Valley) was picked up by a publisher. A dream that I thought had been put on hold indefinitely was rekindled and as I look back over the past year I can see God working in ways that’s aren’t always visible when I am “in the moment.” There have been many days when I have found myself frustrated and impatient, wanting desperately to see results, wanting to see a difference being made not tomorrow but now! But everyday each one of those steps taken in obedience, sometimes painful, tired, and monotonous, added up into something bigger and to look back and see it and see things I have dreamed about begin to take shape and know that this is just the beginning gives me a rush of excitement, and accomplishment that is unparalleled! And it’s also incredibly humbling.

I also thought of Matthew 17:20, “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” Oh to have the faith to suspend all that we know and understand as reality and embrace the impossible.

On days like today as I look back I have realized we don’t always see the mountains moving in front of us, sometimes it’s a slow process and it’s only as we look in the rearview mirror that we are able to appreciate how far they have moved and how far we have come. I find myself continually amazed at God’s goodness and provision, in sickness, fear, and grief for certain, but also on the good days. He is right in our midst, everyday, if we open our eyes and ears, and soften our hearts to His presence.

How much more could God do with us if by His grace He can move mountains with mustard seed faith and He causes great oak trees to spring forth from tiny acorns? This next year, I pledge to stop wondering “What if?” (And all the other questions I ask myself like “Is anyone listening?” “Does anyone care?” “Am I making a difference?”) and induce my faith, let God take the reins, and continue listening, sharing, and putting one foot in front of the other even when I am weary and it doesn’t make sense. Then I can rest confident in that fact that if I reach one or one hundred thousand it has been exactly God’s plan. I love what Mother Theresa says, “God has not called me to be successful. He called me to be faithful.”

Would you consider helping by praying with me and sharing Run and Be Still? Together we can all make a difference in spreading the hope and love of Jesus.

Here’s to next year and praying for big things but content in whatever God provides.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20, emphasis mine)