A Higher CallingSample

Small Beginnings

When Rachel and I started talking about my sense that God was calling me to climb Everest, I told her I’d already done some research—that is, I had Googled “climbing Everest.”

I wondered, How much does it cost? Have any soldiers done it? When is the best time to climb? Those questions caused me to think, Can I put together an Army team? How incredible would that be? Is it even possible for an Army Soldier to do it? 

I started emailing anybody and everybody who might have an interest in helping me make this dream a reality. I didn’t know which direction to head, so I just sent out a shotgun blast in every direction to see what got traction. 

One of the biggest obstacles people encounter once they decide to go after their dreams is not knowing how to start. Are you ready for the answer? Make a move, any move at all. It doesn’t matter how big or small. Just do it. Take ten minutes and start doing something to make your dream happen; chances are you won’t stop after just ten minutes. The sheer fact of starting makes it easier to continue because you’re no longer staring at a blank slate. 

The Bible even talks about this truth in Zechariah 4:10: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” God loves it when you take even a small step out in faith.

Now, say you take your first step, but you don’t go anywhere. Then what? Well, now it’s easier to take the second step because at least you know where not to step. Keep going until something works. It’s all about momentum. Once you get the ball moving, it’s easier to steer it where you want it to go. With Everest, I knew only the end state I was aiming for; all the stuff in between I figured out by trial and error. 

Today, think about what move you could make toward living out your calling. Even if it is a “small beginning,” God will honor your courage and give you momentum to keep going.