Praising Through the Process: Celebrating Small Steps of Faith
In Ezra 3:11, we see a beautiful moment of collective worship:
"With praise and thanksgiving, they sang to the Lord: ‘He is good; His love toward Israel endures forever.’ And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid."
At this point in the Israelites' journey, the temple wasn't complete. It was far from its former glory, and much work still needed to be done. Yet, they paused to praise God for the foundation—a simple beginning that held the promise of what was to come.
This passage reminds us that progress, even in its smallest forms, is worth celebrating. Too often, we focus solely on the finish line, missing the blessings of the steps we take along the way. Faith isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about trusting God in the process and rejoicing in every milestone He helps us achieve.
Rejoicing in Foundations
When the Israelites laid the temple's foundation, they were coming out of a season of exile and hardship. To some, the foundation may have seemed insignificant compared to the grandeur of Solomon's temple. But to others, it was a symbol of hope and a testimony to God’s faithfulness.
In our lives, we often dismiss small victories because they don’t look like the "end goal." But what if we shifted our perspective? That new habit you started, the prayer you whispered, or the step you took toward healing—these are your spiritual foundations. Celebrate them.
Faith Grows Incrementally
Faith isn’t built overnight. It’s cultivated through small, consistent steps toward God. Just as the foundation of the temple needed to be laid before the rest of the structure could rise, our spiritual growth begins with small acts of obedience, prayer, and trust.
In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes, “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 honors progress. He isn’t measuring your worth by how quickly you build or how perfect your life looks. Instead, He delights in your faithfulness to take the next step, no matter how small it may seem.
The Danger of Comparing Beginnings to Completions
The Israelites' praise in Ezra 3:11 was mixed with the sound of weeping from older priests and Levites who had seen the original temple’s splendor (Ezra 3:12). While some celebrated, others mourned what was lost.
Comparison can rob us of joy. It’s easy to look at someone else’s finished "temple" and feel like our foundation isn’t good enough. But God doesn’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. He sees your heart and the effort you’re making to rebuild, and He calls it good.
Practical Ways to Celebrate Progress
Reflect on Milestones
Take time to acknowledge and thank God for the steps you’ve taken, no matter how small. Write them down in a journal or share them with a trusted friend.Praise God Daily
Like the Israelites, practice gratitude and praise even in the unfinished parts of your life. Worship isn’t reserved for completion; it’s an ongoing expression of trust in God’s goodness.Encourage Others
Help someone else see the value in their progress. Just as you’re learning to celebrate your own steps, remind others to do the same.
God Honors Your Process
The Israelites praised God for the foundation because they trusted in His ability to finish what He started. Their faith wasn’t in the stones of the temple but in the God who was with them every step of the way.
As you build the foundations of faith in your own life, remember to pause and praise Him. Celebrate the progress you’ve made, knowing that He will complete the work in His perfect timing.
Closing Encouragement:
Whatever you’re building—a stronger faith, a healthier relationship, or a renewed sense of purpose—trust God with the process. Rejoice in the small steps forward, and let Him turn your foundation into something far greater than you could ever imagine.
“Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” – Zechariah 4:10