On 26th October 1863, the Football Association (FA) was founded in England, marking the official beginning of the world’s most popular sport. Today, football is a global phenomenon, loved by millions, yet it began as a small meeting in a London pub. It’s fascinating to think that something so massive and impactful started with just a few people gathering around to lay down a few simple rules.
This story of football’s humble beginnings offers a powerful reminder of the principle of small beginnings. Often, we expect great things to start with grandeur, but God’s way is often to begin with the small and the insignificant, growing it into something incredible in time.
Do Not Despise Small Beginnings
In Zechariah 4:10, we are told: “Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the Lord that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel.” At this time, the temple in Jerusalem was being rebuilt after years of destruction. Many of the Israelites were discouraged by the seemingly slow progress and unimpressive beginnings, but God reminded them not to look down on these early steps. He sees the potential in small beginnings, even when we can’t.
In the same way, God often works through what looks insignificant to us. Jesus Himself came into this world as a humble baby, born in a stable, yet He changed the world. He started His ministry with twelve ordinary men, and today, the gospel has reached every corner of the earth. Small beginnings, when placed in God’s hands, become extraordinary.
Trust the Process
The FA’s founding shows us that great movements take time to grow. Similarly, God’s work in our lives doesn’t always happen overnight. Sometimes, we become frustrated when we don’t see immediate results. But just as the sport of football needed time to evolve, God is continually shaping and moulding us through the process.
Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” God is faithful. Whatever He has started in your life, He will bring to completion. We may only see small steps right now, but they are part of a much larger journey.
A Reflection Question and Action Step
- Reflection Question: Are there areas in your life where you’ve become discouraged because progress seems slow or insignificant? Do you believe that God can turn your small beginnings into something mighty?
- Action Step: Identify one small step you can take towards a goal or calling that God has placed on your heart. Pray over it and trust that God will grow it in His perfect time.
A Mustard Seed Faith
Jesus used the metaphor of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31-32 to illustrate the kingdom of heaven: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”
Faith, like that tiny mustard seed, has the power to grow into something vast and life-changing. Our role is to plant it, to nurture it, and to trust God with the increase. We don’t always see the results straight away, but God’s kingdom works through small, faithful acts.
Just like the founders of the Football Association who couldn’t have imagined the global influence football would one day have, we might not see the full impact of what we’re doing now. But God does. He sees the end from the beginning.
A Moment to Reflect
Think about one area of your life where things seem to be moving slowly or feel too small to matter. Offer that area to God in prayer, trusting Him to grow it into something that will glorify Him. Remember, small beginnings are God’s speciality.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding us that You delight in small beginnings. Help us not to grow weary or discouraged when progress seems slow. We know that You are always at work, shaping us and preparing us for greater things. Teach us to trust Your timing and to have faith that even the smallest seeds of effort and obedience will grow into something beautiful in Your hands. Strengthen our hearts today as we take small steps forward, knowing that You will bring all things to completion in Your perfect plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
