START TALKING

When have you had a project or situation that took so much longer than you expected, to the point that you didn't know if it would even get completed or work out in the end?

When have you experienced something like the above, but what you didn't know is that the work had begun, the foundation had been laid, and there was more progress than you realized? Or maybe the progress of just getting started was far more significant than you realized?

START THINKING

Read Zechariah 4:9-10. What does it likely tell us about how Zerubbabel is feeling that God had to tell him to not despise small beginnings?

How is our culture similar to what Zerubbabel was likely facing, in that small beginnings are criticized and attacked?

In verse 9, God clarifies why Zerubbabel would complete the work. What was that reason? How is this different than what we might expect? What is the principle that we should take away from this when we pray or when we see "success" or "progress"?

START SHARING

Read Ezra 3:11-13. When have you experienced or seen criticism like this from the inside when small spiritual progress was made, but it didn't seem big enough to be celebrated?

If you are honest, when have you been part of the critical insiders not being happy with the progress? Or because you remembered the "former glory" and compared now to that in the past? What does it mean that you were mourning while God was celebrating? (Keep in mind, these were "spiritual people" who completely missed God's blessing and progress!)

Read Ezra 4:1-5. What are the elements of attack from the enemy that you see in this passage? When have you experienced this when you began to see God move? How did it threaten the progress that God had already begun? How did you see God complete the work, or where are you still waiting for Him to complete it?

START DOING

What do you sense the Spirit telling you to do as a result of this sermon and conversation? What are you going to do about it?

What are the small beginnings He wants you to celebrate? How can that become part of your story that you share with others where you live, work, and play?

START PRAYING

Pray for each other to rejoice to see the work begin just as the Lord does. Pray for each other to remain encouraged, even when criticism comes from the inside and attack comes from the outside. Pray for each of us to look for opportunities to celebrate the small beginnings, knowing that we will be joining in with the celebration of Heaven when we do!