Seeing Beyond: Faith, Hope, and God's Miracles

Devotional

Day 1: Do Not Despise Small Beginnings

God often starts His greatest works in what seems small or insignificant to us, and what may appear impossible or unimportant in our eyes can become the foundation for miracles when placed in His hands. Zerubbabel’s desire to rebuild the temple began as a faint stirring, a vision that seemed out of reach amidst ruins and opposition, yet God called him not to despise the day of small things. When we are faithful with the little God gives us, and refuse to dismiss the quiet promptings or small opportunities, He multiplies our efforts and brings about His purposes in ways we could never imagine. Trust that what feels insignificant today may be the very thing God uses to change lives and build His kingdom. [04:19]

Zechariah 4:10 (ESV)
"For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth."

Reflection: What is one small prompting or opportunity God has placed before you that you’ve been tempted to overlook? How can you take a step of faith with it today?

Day 2: Faith Brings God’s Possibilities Into Our Present

Faith is not just wishful thinking for the future; it is the declaration that what we hope for can become reality now because God is not limited by time or circumstance. When we face impossibilities—whether in our finances, health, relationships, or emotions—faith invites God into the equation, making all things possible through Christ. Just as the Apostle Paul declared, and as seen in the lives of Zerubbabel and Joshua, faith transforms our present by anchoring us in God’s promises, enabling us to see beyond what is visible and trust in what God can do. [07:12]

Philippians 4:13 (ESV)
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me."

Reflection: Where in your life do you need to declare God’s possibility over an impossible situation? What would it look like to speak faith into that area today?

Day 3: Little Becomes Much in God’s Hands

When we surrender what we have—no matter how small—to God, He multiplies it beyond our imagination. Whether it’s a few loaves and fishes, a plumb line in the hand of a builder, or a simple act of obedience, God delights in taking our little and making it much. The stories of Moses at the Red Sea, the boy with the lunch, and the disciples in the storm all remind us that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness and that miracles happen when we trust Him with what we have. Don’t underestimate what God can do with your offering, your effort, or your faith, no matter how small it seems. [20:03]

John 6:9-13 (ESV)
"There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, 'Have the people sit down.' Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, 'Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.' So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten."

Reflection: What is one “small” resource, talent, or act of service you can place in God’s hands this week, trusting Him to multiply it?

Day 4: Faith Inspires and Multiplies in Community

Faith is contagious—when one person steps out in faith, it inspires others to join in, and God multiplies the vision and the impact. Just as Zerubbabel’s passion drew Joshua, and then others, and as Jesus called His disciples one by one, our willingness to believe and act on God’s promises can spark faith in those around us. God doesn’t need a crowd to start a movement; He needs a willing heart. When we gather, even in small numbers, in Jesus’ name, He is present and miracles can be set in motion. [32:40]

Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Reflection: Who in your life could be encouraged or inspired by your faith today? How can you intentionally share or act on your faith to build up someone else?

Day 5: God Sees the Bigger Picture and Orders Our Steps

God’s perspective is not limited by our circumstances—He sees the past, present, and future, and orchestrates our steps for His purposes. Even when we don’t understand or see the outcome, we can trust that God is working behind the scenes, providing daily bread, opening doors, and fulfilling His promises. Like Zerubbabel and Joshua, we are called to trust God’s timing and direction, exercising our faith muscle even when the way forward is unclear. Assurance comes from knowing that God’s eyes are on us and that He is faithful to complete what He has begun. [38:41]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to surrender your understanding and trust God’s bigger picture? What step of trust can you take today, even if you don’t see the whole plan?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering was a call to lift our eyes above the immediate and the impossible, and to see with the eyes of faith the bigger picture God is painting in our lives. We began by remembering the power of worship and the gratitude that comes from knowing our names are written in glory. The flags in our sanctuary are not just decoration, but reminders of the global reach of the gospel and our part in supporting God’s work through missions. Each flag represents a missionary, a story of faith, and a testimony that God is moving in every nation.

We explored the difference between hope and faith: hope looks to the future, but faith brings what we hope for into the present. Faith is not bound by time; it secures our eternity and brings God’s promises into our now. This truth was illustrated through the story of Zerubbabel and Joshua in Zechariah 4:10, who faced the impossible task of rebuilding the temple from ruins. What began as a small, seemingly insignificant desire in one man’s heart became a movement that multiplied, because God was in it. The day of small beginnings should never be despised, for God delights in taking what is little and multiplying it for His glory.

We are often tempted to judge our circumstances by what we see, but God calls us to see beyond appearances. The world may see impossibility, but God sees potential. When we place what little we have in His hands—whether it’s resources, dreams, or faith—He multiplies it. The stories of Moses at the Red Sea, Jesus feeding the multitudes, and Jonathan’s victory with his armor bearer all remind us that God specializes in turning the impossible into the possible.

Attitude is everything. A faith-filled attitude not only sustains us but inspires others. Faith is contagious; it multiplies as we share it and act on it together. God doesn’t need a crowd—He needs a willing heart. When two or three gather in His name, He is present and miracles are set in motion. Our assurance comes from knowing that God sees the whole picture—past, present, and future. He orchestrates our steps, provides daily bread, and invites us to trust Him even when we don’t understand.

The call is to focus on the bigger picture, to trust God with our impossibilities, and to believe for miracles—especially the miracle of salvation. No matter where we are or what we face, it’s never too late to step into God’s purpose and see His promises fulfilled.

Key Takeaways

1. Faith Transcends Time and Brings Eternity into the Present Faith is not just a future hope; it is the means by which we lay hold of God’s promises now. When we trust Christ, our faith secures our eternity and brings the reality of God’s kingdom into our present circumstances. This is why faith is so powerful—it is not limited by what we see or by the boundaries of time. [03:44]
2. Never Despise Small Beginnings—God Multiplies What Is Surrendered God often starts with what seems insignificant: a single desire, a small act of obedience, or a handful of resources. When we surrender these to Him, He multiplies them beyond what we could imagine. The story of Zerubbabel, Joshua, and even the loaves and fishes shows that God delights in using the small to accomplish the great. [15:53]
3. Faith Inspires and Reproduces in Others A faith-filled attitude is contagious. When we step out in faith, it not only changes our own lives but also inspires those around us to believe and act. God’s vision multiplies as it is shared, and what begins with one or two can become a movement that impacts generations. [27:50]
4. God’s Perspective Is Greater Than Our Circumstances We are called to see beyond appearances and not to judge by what we or others see. God’s eyes scan the whole earth; He knows the end from the beginning. When we trust His perspective, we find assurance that He is orchestrating every detail, even when we don’t understand the process. [38:41]
5. Miracles Begin with Surrender and Simple Faith God does not require a crowd or extraordinary resources—He responds to surrendered hearts and simple faith. Whether it’s the miracle of salvation or a breakthrough in our lives, God moves when we trust Him, gather in His name, and place our needs in His hands. The greatest miracle is always the transformation He brings to a surrendered life. [42:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:17] - Worship and Gratitude
[00:53] - Missions Flags and Faith Promises
[02:44] - The Difference Between Hope and Faith
[03:44] - Faith Secures Our Eternity
[04:19] - Zechariah’s Call: The Bigger Picture
[05:30] - The Ruins of Jerusalem and Impossibility
[06:41] - Facing Impossibilities with God
[07:42] - Zerubbabel’s God-Given Desire
[09:06] - The Power of Small Beginnings
[11:48] - Joshua Joins the Vision
[13:51] - It’s Never Too Late for God’s Promise
[15:00] - Don’t Judge by Appearances
[18:54] - Little Becomes Big in God’s Hands
[23:21] - The Power of Attitude and Faith
[27:21] - God’s Provision for Vision
[32:40] - God’s Presence in Small Numbers
[34:23] - Jonathan’s Contagious Faith
[37:37] - Assurance: God Sees the Whole Picture
[41:47] - Focusing on the Bigger Picture
[42:51] - The Miracle of Salvation
[46:45] - Prayer for Miracles and Closing Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Zechariah 4:10 (ESV) — > "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth."

Matthew 18:20 (ESV) — > "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

Exodus 14:13-16 (ESV) — > "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.' The Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground.'"

Observation Questions

In Zechariah 4:10, what does the “plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel” represent, and why is it significant that the “day of small things” should not be despised?
According to the sermon, what was the impossible task facing Zerubbabel and Joshua, and how did their response set an example for us? [[05:30]]
In Matthew 18:20, what promise does Jesus make about His presence, and how does this relate to the idea that God doesn’t need a crowd to do miracles? [[32:23]]
What did Moses do at the Red Sea, and how did his actions demonstrate faith in the bigger picture rather than focusing on the immediate problem? [[20:37]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think God delights in starting with small beginnings, as seen in the story of Zerubbabel and Joshua? How does this challenge our usual way of measuring success? [[15:53]]
The sermon says, “Faith is contagious; it multiplies as we share it and act on it together.” In what ways can one person’s faith inspire a whole community? [[27:50]]
The pastor mentioned that God’s eyes “scan to and fro throughout the whole earth.” What does this say about God’s perspective on our circumstances, and how should this affect our trust in Him? [[38:41]]
How does the difference between hope and faith, as described in the sermon, change the way we pray or act in difficult situations? [[03:15]]

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us not to “despise the day of small beginnings.” Is there something in your life right now that feels too small or insignificant to matter? What would it look like to surrender it to God and trust Him to multiply it? [[15:53]]
Think about a time when you faced an “impossible” situation (like Zerubbabel, Joshua, or Moses at the Red Sea). Did you focus more on the problem or on God’s bigger picture? How might you respond differently now? [[20:37]]
The pastor said, “Faith is contagious.” Who in your life has inspired your faith, and how can you be that person for someone else this week? [[27:50]]
The sermon mentioned that God doesn’t need a crowd—He just needs a willing heart. Are there areas where you’re waiting for more resources, people, or perfect conditions before stepping out in faith? What’s one small step you could take this week? [[32:23]]
The message talked about attitude being everything. When you’re tempted to have a negative or fearful attitude, what practical steps can you take to shift your focus to faith and gratitude? [[23:42]]
The pastor shared about the miracle of salvation being the greatest miracle. If you have experienced this, how can you share your story with someone who needs hope? If you haven’t, what’s holding you back from taking that step? [[42:51]]
The sermon encouraged us to “focus on the bigger picture.” What is one area of your life where you need to ask God to help you see beyond appearances and trust His plan? How will you pray about this specifically this week? [[41:47]]

Sermon Clips

Never judge a situation by what you or those around you see. Right? Have you ever heard things aren't always as they appear? That's the truth. Don't ever judge a situation by what you see. [00:15:01] (15 seconds) #LittleInGodsHandsMultiplies

Some of you, maybe you feel like you're standing before a Red Sea today. Maybe you feel like you've just made your camp, you've built a house right at the banks of the Red Sea. Because there has been no movement. It doesn't seem like anything is changing. My word to you is, if God was faithful to take Moses and the Israelite people through, he's going to part the Red Sea for you. [00:21:15] (19 seconds) #ImpossibleWithGodPossible

You see, when you focus on the Lord, what man calls impossible, all of a sudden you embrace God's mindset, which means God says it's possible. What's your impossibility? God says, with you or with your resources, it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible. Hallelujah. [00:23:01] (20 seconds) #AttitudeShapesFaith

Everything is possible when God is on your side. Amen. And this is the kind of faith that gave Zerubbabel and Joshua supernatural... My closing point assurance. I said it earlier, I want to say it again, you can't surprise God. You can't surprise him. Do you think when God spoke in Genesis 1, Let there be light, he put his hands over his eyes because he wasn't sure if it was going to happen or not? And do you think in his trepidation after he said, let there be light, do you think he did this with his fingers and said maybe to one of his angels, did it happen? God was not surprised that there was light. He has full confidence in his word. God wasn't surprised by the crucifixion, and he wasn't surprised when Jesus rose from the dead. Simply put, he knows what's going on. [00:37:33] (51 seconds) #FaithSeesTheBiggerPicture

What I'm talking about is Jesus. What I'm talking about is accepting him as your personal savior through a simple prayer that says, God, I'm a sinner and I need your forgiveness. Please forgive me. I'm sorry. Help me. And he will hear, he will answer, and he will deliver. Amen. [00:44:13] (28 seconds)

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